Declare the month of February as “Buwan ng Nag-uusap na Pamilya”.
San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes made this call at the House of Representatives to promote communication among family members and address rising cases of mental health problems among the youth.
“As a mental health advocate, I believe in a practical and manageable solution to prevent and avert the loss of lives brought about by the invisible pandemic of depression and suicide,” Robes said.
In her privilege speech, the veteran legislator cited a study conducted by Global School-Based Student Health Survey Philippines.
“17 percent of youth in the 13-17 age bracket have attempted suicide at least once a year.”
The study showed that an estimated 17 percent of youth in the 13-17 age bracket have attempted suicide at least once a year.
“The recurring theme in these suicide stories is the lack of effective communication among members of the family,” the seasoned lawmaker noted.
According to her, there is a need to provide avenues to bring families to talk again.
Robes expressed alarm that the 2021 survey showed around 1.5 million Filipino youth or 7 percent committed suicide attempts.
“Six out of ten of the respondents reportedly did not reach out to anyone about it. And, if ever they did, who did they run to for help,” she noted.
“Tayo dapat ang unang sumbungan at takbuhan ng ating mga anak, ang hinahanap nila kapag sila ay malungkot o nasasaktan.”
“This is heartbreaking. As parents, we ought to be the first people that our children run to in times of need. Tayo dapat ang unang sumbungan at takbuhan ng ating mga anak, ang hinahanap nila kapag sila ay malungkot o nasasaktan,” Robes stressed.
“A simple conversation with our children may be that last sliver of hope to save their lives before it is too late. Hence, this representation calls for a measure declaring the month of February as the ‘Buwan ng Nag-uusap na Pamilya.’ There is no greater love than the unconditional love of family,” she concluded.
