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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Suicide cases among minors prompted QC gov't to allow children outside homes

Suicide cases among minors prompted QC gov't to allow children outside homes

Published Jul 15, 2021 01:11 pm

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday admitted that the increasing number of minors committing suicide prompted the city government to identify certain areas in the city where youngsters can go to after months of being cooped up in their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citing a report from the Quezon City Police District, Belmonte said these incidents might be attributed to depression experienced by the children due to persisting lockdowns and strict restrictions imposed on them.

The mayor did not provide any other details but said that it was the reason why she already ordered the designation of child-friendly safe zones in the city and welcomed the recent decision of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to finally allow those five years old and above to go out of their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Bago pa man inannounce ng IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) ay humingi na ako ng permiso...kung pwede po tayo na pumayag yung mga bata po, at least pag magexercise o kaya makatanggap man lang ng Vitamin D sa labas ng kanilang tahanan (Before the IATF's announcement, we already asked for permission if we could allow kids to go outside to exercise or get some Vitamin D)," Belmonte said in a Laging Handa briefing.

"Medyo naapektuhan na kasi yung mental health ng atin pong mga kabataan. At dito po sa lungsod Quezon...ang kaso ng suicide amongst minors, sinasabi nilang maaring ang ugat nito ay ang pagka-kulong sa kanilang mga tahanan na napakahabang panahon at dahil po sa depression na kanilang nararamdaman (Kids' mental health is already affected. Here in the city, we have reported cases of suicide among minors, which are being attributed to lockdown and depression)," she added.

Currently, 22 parks located in the city have already been identified where children can play and roam around freely. Belmonte gave assurance that the parks have marshals who will ensure observance with the minimum health protocols against COVID-19.

She added that "many other subdivisions and private parks" are also applying to open their own child-friendly safe zones.

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