‘(Bakit) dumadami ang cases natin when it comes to mental health… (kasi) limited ang facilities and professionals’ – PHO Kalinga on increasing number of mental health cases

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As more individuals face mental health challenges, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Kalinga has identified the lack of facilities and mental health professionals as the primary reason behind the rising number of cases in the province. The office also reminded the public that genuine mental health care goes beyond infrastructure—it requires compassion and understanding for everyone.

During the flag-raising ceremony on November 3, 2025, at Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Jacelle Bawagan, Health Program Officer II and Psychometrician at the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), discussed four major challenges they currently face.

“...nu apay nga dumadami ang cases natin when it comes to mental health. First ket, limited facilities and professionals—‘yan ang number one problem natin. Ilan lang ang professionals natin dito. Second, yung stigma at misinformation; some people don’t even know what mental health really means. Third, cost of service—very costly ang mga ito, kaya some people tend not to get consulted kasi nangina ti services na. Lastly, lack of awareness, they don’t even know. Dagitoy dadduma gamin ket haan da ammu nga adda dagitoy hotlines,” said Bawagan.

Bawagan reported that from January to September 2025, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline received 7,189 suicide-related calls.

Since its launch in 2019, the hotline has received more than 115,000 calls, mostly from individuals aged 18 to 30, with the majority coming from Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.

The Health Program Officer emphasized that behind each call is a Filipino seeking help—someone battling anxiety, depression, family conflict, heartbreak, or simply needing someone to talk to.

Speaking before various stakeholders, Bawagan underscored that genuine mental health care starts with compassion.

“Access is not just about opening clinics; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe and supported at the same time,” she said.

With the growing number of mental health cases and the limited means to properly address them, the PHO Kalinga continues to remind the public that the mental health hotline remains open for anyone struggling, while promoting mental health programs toward the province’s vision of a ‘Lumin-awa Kalinga’—a community of peace and well-being.