A MENTAL health advocates group within the Polytechnic University of the Philippines denounced today what it called “insensitive suicide remark” vocalized by Sen. Cynthia Villar against the head of the Philippine Carabao Center on the very first day of the World Suicide Prevention Month.

The Laban PUP slammed the senator on social media for her statement on the dismal performance of the PCC, saying that if she was the chief of the center, she’ll commit suicide because of shame.

The group underscored that suicide is never a joke.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Villar was enraged after finding out that only 0.6 percent of the total milk demand in the country is being produced locally for 28 years.

“After 28 years, my God, kung ako ang head niyan at ganyan ang performance ko, magsu-suicide na ako. Nakakahiya!” the senator said in a virtual meeting.

As mental health advocates, Laban PUP mentioned Villar’s suicide remark ironically came on the first day of National Suicide Prevention Month. It added that while suicide cases continue to rise, Filipinos are still insensitive with the subject matter.

“Naniniwala ang Laban PUP na ang ‘suicide’ ay isang mabigat na salita na hindi dapat basta-basta binibitawan at hindi dapat ginagamit upang ipahayag ang pagkadismaya ng isa. Ito ay tunay at sensitibong isyu na nararapat na maipaliwanag at mabigyang linaw sa lahat,” the organization stated.

The group also noted RA 11036 or the Mental Health Act should be reinforced as it can drastically help people cope up with mental issues especially in the midst of the pandemic.

“Hindi pribilehiyo ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno ang paggamit ng mga tunay na isyung ito, kahit na ito ay dulot ng pagkadismaya o para lamang sa katuwaan,” Laban PUP added.