A total of 200 young adults, including student leaders and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan, participated in a mental health seminar organized by the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), the city government announced on Thursday, April 24.


The city’s Public Information Office (PIO) said that the seminar aimed to debunk common myths about depression and empower the youth with practical steps to safeguard their mental well-being.
Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan commended the participants for their openness to learning and encouraged them to use the knowledge gained to support not only themselves but also their peers.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa LYDO at sa lahat ng kabataang dumalo sa ating Youth Depression seminar. Ang hiling ko, gamitin ninyo ang inyong mga natutunan upang tulungan ang inyong sarili at ang kapwa ninyo Batang Kankaloo na makaiwas sa depresyon at iba pang mental health issue (I would like to thank the LYDO and all the youth who attended our Youth Depression seminar. My request is that you use what you have learned to help yourselves and your fellow Batang Kankaloo avoid depression and other mental health issues)," he said.
The mayor reaffirmed the city’s commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive approach to public health.
"Batid po natin na ang mga mental health concerns na nararanasan ng ating mga kababayan ay nangangailangan ng sistematikong solusyon mula sa pamahalaang lungsod (We recognize that the mental health concerns experienced by our fellow citizens require a systematic solution from the city government),” he said.
Malapitan added that the city will continue to roll out mental health programs for all sectors—including men, mothers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
"Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating mga programa hindi lang para sa youth depression, kundi pati na rin sa mga karanasan ng kalalakihan, mga nanay, at maging ng mga kapatid natin sa LGBT community (Our programs will continue not only to address youth depression, but also those being experienced by men, mothers, and even our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community)," he said.
The initiative is also part of the city's broader strategy to foster a more compassionate, aware, and mentally resilient community.