Following the successful rescue of a man who attempted to end his life by jumping from a building in Sampaloc, Manila on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso raised alarm over the worsening mental health of young Manileños and reminded the public to always be kind to others.
Domagoso made the appeal after authorities were able to prevent the man from jumping and safely pulled him back from the ledge.
The mayor emphasized that both the city government and the national government continue to implement programs to support those struggling with mental health challenges, including the establishment of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline (1553 or 1800-1888-1553) for immediate aid and assistance.
“Mga bata, huwag tayo magpadalos-dalos. Huwag tayong magpadala sa nakikita natin sa social media. Tatagan ninyo ang inyong kalooban. Maging mapagmahal sa kapwa. Find your purpose. If others don’t see that you have a purpose in life, you may see it in yourself,” Domagoso said.
He added, “Lahat ng suliranin, hirap na pinagdaraanan natin ay nagtuturo lamang ng leksiyon sa atin upang pagtibayin ang ating isipan at kalooban sa mga darating pa na mas mabigat na pagsubok. Kaya please, don’t give up—ang pinakamasarap sa lahat ay mabuhay sa mundo.”
The mayor also underscored the importance of family support, reminding young people that no matter the hardships they face, these will eventually pass.
“Your family will help you become better and will be there for you. Of course, you have friends, you have classmates. Pero ang pamilya ay pamilya. Ang pamilya, pwede nating takbuhan pabalik,” he noted. (Patrick Garcia)
