25/09/2026
๐๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ถ๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐.๐.๐จ.๐.
In observance of Su***de Prevention Month, the City Government of Baguio through the City Health Services Office (CHSO) led the Su***de Prevention Awareness Parade and launching of the Blue Light Campaign on September 23, 2026, bringing together health workers, partner organizations, advocates, volunteers, and community members in a march from the Baguio Convention Center to Malcolm Square.
In his opening remarks, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized the need to sustain conversations on su***de prevention amid the number of deaths by su***de recorded in the city. He called on the public to work together to strengthen awareness, support, and community involvement in su***de prevention efforts.
City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes echoed the importance of recognizing signs that may indicate someone is silently struggling. She also encouraged the public to practice simple acts of kindness, noting that listening to others without judgment can provide meaningful support to those experiencing difficulties.
According to Dr. Brillantes, 41 deaths by su***de have been recorded in Baguio City this year. She expressed hope that the city can achieve zero deaths by su***de in the coming years while consistently reminding residents of the mental health services available through local health centers and counseling services in universities.
โAndito po kami para tumulong sa inyo,โ Dr. Brillantes said, assuring residents that health workers, counselors, and volunteers remain available to provide care and support.
Beyond raising awareness, the city also launched Project B.L.U.E., or ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ถ๐ผโ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐จ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐บ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น-๐๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ป๐ฒ๐๐, as part of its broader su***de prevention efforts. The project involves installing blue lights on selected overpasses across the city, providing residents with a calming visual reminder and an opportunity to pause.
Nurse Cyra Policarpio of the Mental Health Unit of the CHSO, explained that the project goes beyond illuminating specific areas, emphasizing its role in creating spaces where people can pause and reflect during difficult moments.
The campaign also featured testimonials from Ms. Divine Joy Lamsis and her mother, who shared their experiences in navigating Divineโs mental health struggles. They expressed their gratitude to the health professionals who supported them throughout Divineโs recovery.
Student volunteers from the University of Baguio also performed two songs centered on life, community support, and hope for better days. Ms. Rica Mae Pili, one of the volunteers, encouraged people experiencing difficulties to open up to trusted friends or trusted adults rather than face their problems alone.
Dr. Paolo Chavez, OIC Medical Officer for Mental Health, shared the same sentiment in his closing remarks, echoing the call for a community where people feel safe acknowledging and expressing when they are โnot okay.โ
Mayor Magalong and Dr. Brillantes assured that the campaign would continue beyond the event, with plans to install additional blue lights around the city and organize more programs that foster supportive conversations on mental health and su***de prevention.
โ๏ธ Kristel M. Reyes
๐ธ Noel Jan Pura
