By: James Murillo Elaco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — As National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month unfolds, the City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) confronts a growing mental health crisis among its less than 1,000 students, with the city reporting a 162% surge in youth suicide attempts in 2023. Dr. Faith Q. Colarte, Director of Student Welfare and Services, highlights the challenges: a severe shortage of mental health professionals—less than one per 100,000 people—and cultural stigma that prevents 62% of youth from seeking help.
“Stigma is a major barrier,” Colarte said in an interview. “Many students confide only in peers, fearing judgment.” CCCDO’s understaffed Guidance Office, with counselors handling far beyond the ideal 1:500 student ratio, struggles to provide timely interventions. Socioeconomic pressures like poverty and family conflicts, linked to 47 local suicide cases last year, further complicate support efforts.
To combat this, CCCDO is rolling out initiatives like the “WE Care Wednesday” program this September, featuring short videos to educate students on suicide prevention and coping strategies. The college also trains Peer Facilitators in Psychosocial First Aid and re-echoes the city’s LIFE Suicide Prevention Module to foster open mental health conversations.
Despite collaborations with the CSWD-Psychosocial Unit, Colarte acknowledges the need for more structured screenings and external partnerships. “We’re building a compassionate community,” she said, urging students to seek help. “You matter, and we’re here for you.” (JME/ONP)
