‘10 of 11 suicide deaths were men’: OPHO cites stigma as possible factor behind higher male suicide cases in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Men accounted for the overwhelming majority of suicide deaths recorded in Kalinga during the first half of 2026, with 10 of the province's 11 recorded deaths by suicide involving males, according to data from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO).

The OPHO recorded 19 suicide cases from January to June 2026. Of these, 14 involved males while five involved females. The data also showed that of the 11 deaths by suicide, 10 were male and only one was female.

Mental Health Coordinator France Reggie Ramirez of the OPHO said stigma may be one of the factors contributing to the higher number of suicide cases among males in the province, although she emphasized that further research is needed to better understand the trend.

Historical OPHO data likewise showed that males consistently accounted for the majority of suicide cases from 2024 to 2026. In 2024, there were 25 male suicide cases, consisting of 18 deaths by suicide and seven suicide attempts. In 2025, there were 17 male cases, including three deaths by suicide and 14 suicide attempts. From January to June 2026 alone, 14 male cases were recorded, comprising 10 deaths by suicide and four suicide attempts.

The trend is consistent with national data. In 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicators estimated the suicide mortality rate among males at 4.4 deaths per 100,000 population, compared with 1.0 death per 100,000 population among females.

Stigma may discourage men from seeking help

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on July 3, Ramirez said there is currently no research explaining why suicide cases in Kalinga predominantly involve males. However, based on her personal observation, men tend to be less open about discussing their personal struggles and are more likely to keep their problems to themselves.

“Awan ti kasla ustu nga observation mi basta jay presentation isu gamin ti ma gathered tayo out from diyay report but we don’t have a research kung bakit nag kaka ganun. Siguro personally, ang pwede ko lang mai share kasla makita tayo diyay ket mas open gamin ti babae kaysa lalaki. Hindi niyo basta na kwe kwento, hindi niyo basta basta mai share iti problems yu iti peers yu. Adda man pero man manu diyay kasjay nga male. Mas prefer da nga i-keep to themselves whatever it is,” said Ramirez.

She added that stigma may also discourage some men from opening up, as they may fear that expressing their emotions could be seen as a sign of weakness or diminish their sense of masculinity.

“...adda pay gamin jay stigma, dagituy gamin males once nga nag open up da ket kasla feel nila is mababawasan yung masculinity nila. While for female ket wala lang, madali lang namin kasi mailabas yung mga feelings namin. Nasa behaviour rin niyo kasi mga male kasi pag minsan nilalabas nila ang weakness nila nawawala yung masculine image nila,” she added.

Mental health advocates continue to stress that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness—and that early intervention can save lives.

People experiencing depression, overwhelming emotional distress, or thoughts of self-harm are encouraged to seek help immediately by reaching out to trusted family members, friends, mental health professionals, or emergency responders. Those who notice warning signs in someone they know are also urged to offer support and help connect them with appropriate services.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of self-harm, call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital or emergency department as soon as possible. You may also contact the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 (landline and mobile), 0917-899-USAP (8727), or 0908-639-2672 for free, confidential crisis support.