Be A Messenger BAM Publishing House and Consultancy Inc. is forging partnership with Beautiful Powerful Women (BPW) International headed by Dr. Ruth Cube Keijdener as part of women’s month to address mental health issues in Iloilo City supported by Central Philippine University and a number of brand partnerships.
Western Visayas has seen a series of completed suicide since the start of the year 2020. The problem of suicide among the younger generation rose mainly due to the lack of access to mental health care for young Filipinos, particularly in remote areas. Attempted youth suicides and deaths have risen sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase in suicide-related calls to mental health centers across the country. According to a nationwide survey done by the University of the Philippines Population Institute last October 2022, nearly one in five young Filipinos have considered ending their life. It also noted that close to almost 1.5 million youth had tried ending their life in 2021 — that is, 7.5 percent of youth.
WESTERN VISAYAS AT MENTAL HEALTH RISK
A Descriptive Study on Suicide in Western Visayas amid COVID-19 by the University of the Philippines shows that depression was the most cited reason for suicide (66.3%), and hanging was the most common method employed (90.65). 13.41% of completed suicide was seen in September of 2020. The study identified individuals aged 17 to 30, males, individuals from the lower class, and residents of rural areas, especially in Iloilo province as vulnerable to completed suicide. Majority of the cases were completed by hanging and depression was the most reported reason.
As of end-June 2022, suicide cases in Western Visayas are at 189 cases which is 67.25 percent of the number of cases in 2021 at 281, and 55.75 percent of the cases in 2020 at 339. Iloilo province has the most number of cases in 2022 so far with 52 cases, followed by Negros Occidental (40), Antique (28), Aklan (19), Bacolod City (15), Capiz (14), Iloilo City (13), and Guimaras (8).
With this alarming concern, Be A Messenger BAM Publishing House and Consultancy Inc. in partnership with Coach Nile, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, and Christian Ministerial Fellowships will host two events for Beautiful Powerful Women International headed by Dr. Ruth Cube Keijdener this March with a theme, Hope Arise!
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MENTAL HEALTH APPROACH IN EVENTS
Iloilo City will hold the Transformed by Love: A Worship Event to Experience God’s Healing Touch in the University Church of Central Philippine University on March 27 at 10AM. With the arrival of BPW Team, this is made possible in cooperation with the University Church, the Religion and Ethics Department, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs of Central Philippine University, and Gising Na Kabataan Iloilo. This non-denominational event is designed to provide a safe place for both students and adults to pour their hearts and thoughts out to God in the atmosphere of worship. The whole team is expecting with faith to see God move to address the problem attacking our young people.
The worship event will be followed by the launching of Dr. Ruth’s newest book entitled, Hope Arise! A 30-day Devotional with Generals of Faith to be held in Festive Walk Iloilo, March 28 at 1PM. There will be a talk about women and hope in today’s crisis paired with opportunities to pray for one another. This is in partnership between BPW International and BAM Publishing with Iloilo Bloggers Society, Al Dente, Farm To Table, Mejid Reborn International, Festive Walk Mall and Megaworld. Everyone is invited to join and learn more about the book and hear real-life stories of overcoming struggles and depression.
BAM Publishing House together with Coach Nile is hopeful to be part of resolving the mental health issue in Iloilo Province through these events in partnership with the whole BPW Team. This is also in line with Coach Nile’s recent campaign Rise of the Youth which will be actively involved in activities such as but not limited to Mental Health Support Group Sessions, Spiritual Counseling, Retreat Camps, and Youth Conferences.
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