FOLLOWING the tragic deaths of two students in Taguig City, Vice President, and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has vigorously pushed for the mental well-being of the youth especially in schools, saying it’s just as important as physical health.

Inday Sara — as the VPES is fondly called by her family, friends, and supporters — stressed on Thursday (30 Nov 2023) that mental health should never be neglected since it is an integral part of a person’s overall well-being.

“Importante at mahalaga ang kalusugan hindi lamang ng katawan kundi ng ating pag-iisip lalo na ng ating mga kabataan. Hindi madali at magiging madali ang buhay pero napakahalaga na meron tayong napag-sasabihan at merong nakikinig,” she said.

VP Duterte’s advocacy for mental health intensified after attending a government briefing on the tragic deaths of two students in Taguig City.

Last November 10, students Irish Sheen Manalo, 13, and Mary Nicole Picar, 15, were found dead at about 11 p.m. inside the Girls Scout Mini Office on the third floor of Magsaysay Building of Signal Village National High School (SVNHS) in Barangay Central Signal, Taguig.

The Southern Police District (SPD) forensic team said based on the autopsy, Manalo and Picar died of asphyxia by hanging. The two were also negative in pregnancy tests done.

VP Duterte noted that life can be challenging, but it’s important to know that help is available for mental health.

She encouraged young people not to hesitate in seeking help for their mental wellness.

The VPES added that help is just a call away.

She said the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) under the Department of Health has Crisis Hotline Numbers available 24/7:

1553 (Nationwide landline toll-free)
1800-1888-1553

Globe/TM
0966-351-4518
0917-899-8727

Smart/ TNT
0908-639-2672

“Huwag matakot humingi ng tulong,” the VPES further said.