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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 'Be their safe space': Volunteer fire brigade urges public to check on loved ones amid rising mental health cases

'Be their safe space': Volunteer fire brigade urges public to check on loved ones amid rising mental health cases

Published Nov 2, 2025 04:54 pm

The New San Juan Volunteer Fire Brigade Inc. on Sunday, Nov. 2, urged the public to regularly check on and reach out to their loved ones amid the growing mental health concerns in the country, following their response to a young woman who allegedly jumped from the fourth floor of a condominium in Pasig City.
According to the group, they were called by a friend to respond to a condominium in Ortigas, where a young woman allegedly jumped from the window of their unit on the fourth floor.
She was immediately brought to the nearest hospital and sustained only minor injuries, they said.
“[These] past few days, [the] younger generation couldn’t handle stress and anxiety. Check on your loved ones. If someone in your life is going through a hard time, you might want to quickly check in to see how they are doing,” they said.
“A simple 'hi' and 'how are you?' can make them feel loved and cared about,” they added.
They also encouraged the public to “be their safe space” and to listen when someone opens up to them.
“Get inside their perspective and see the world the way they do. Let them know and feel that they can share the burden with you,” they added.
“Give them compliments. Genuine praise can have a powerful effect and is a source of dopamine. Appreciating someone in the simplest way can surely make a person's day. Compliment someone today!” they continued.
They also urged the public to seek help from experts or contact mental health hotlines if they know someone who needs assistance.
“Help is always available. We are in this together.”
On Oct. 30, Senator Camille Villar filed a resolution seeking a Senate probe into the country’s worsening mental health situation, emphasizing the need to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and make care more accessible to Filipinos in need.
Citing government data, Villar noted that nearly 2,000 Filipinos died by suicide in the first half of 2025, while 3.6 million living with mental, neurological, or substance use disorders. She said these numbers reflect the urgent need for coordinated national action.
“Mental health is no longer an invisible issue, it is a silent crisis that demands a national response,” Villar said. “We must ensure that mental health care becomes accessible, responsive, and fully integrated into our public health system.”
The senator has also filed the Comprehensive Mental Health Benefit Act (SBN 328) to expand PhilHealth coverage for psychiatric and psychological services.
“This inquiry will help us identify what still needs to be done so that every Filipino regardless of income or background can get the help and healing they deserve,” she added.
Villar reiterated her commitment to work with the Department of Health, PhilHealth, and other sectors in crafting responsive reforms and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/30/camille-villar-seeks-senate-inquiry-into-growing-mental-health-crisis-in-the-philippines

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