Guagua LGU launches suicide prevention hotline

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Guagua, Pampanga has launched a suicide prevention hotline: 0917-677-TAID or 0917-677-8243.

In a Facebook post, Mayor Tonton Torres said this is part of the LGUs initiative to address mental health problems that may lead to suicide.

Over 40 Psychological First Aid Responders and Suicide Prevention Agents volunteered to answer the calls and listen to our kabalens in Guagua who are in need of help.

“Atin kang aka-TAID nung atin kang pagdalanan ngeni (You have company if you’re going through something),” Torres said on social media. “Maulaya ya ing biye mu (Your life is important),” he added as we commemorate the World Suicide Prevention Day today, September 10.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, 2,630 suicide cases were reported in the Philippines from 2015 to 2020. This makes suicide the 27th leading cause of death in the country.

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If you need someone to talk to, you may also call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 0966-351-4518.