Mark Villar seeks stronger mental health services amid rise in suicides

MANILA, Philippines — Citing an increase in suicides in recent years, Sen. Mark A. Villar urges the government to act immediately to expand access to mental health services, strengthen prevention efforts, and provide adequate funding for mental health care.

“Our people deserve a healthcare system that treats mental health with the same urgency, respect, and dignity as physical health. The numbers are deeply concerning,” Villar said in his privilege speech in observance of Suicide Prevention Month.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Villar cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing an alarming 3,379 deaths from intentional self-harm in 2024, up from 3,133 in 2023. From January to June 2025, the Philippine National Police also logged nearly 2,000 suicide cases.

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In Metro Manila alone, the National Capital Region Police Office recorded 111 cases from January to March 2026, compared with 33 during the same period last year—a 236-percent increase.

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READ: DOH points to low pay for lack of psychiatrists, psychologists in PH

Shortage of professionals

Villar also raised concern over the severe shortage of mental health professionals.

A 2026 analysis cited in his speech found only 409 accredited psychiatrists nationwide, 54.52 percent of whom are concentrated in Metro Manila. This translates to just 0.38 psychiatrists for every 100,000 Filipinos, far below the WHO-recommended minimum of 10 per 100,000 cited in the speech.

“But Mr. President, how can we expect Filipinos to seek help when help itself remains difficult to access?” Villar said.

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End the stigma

Villar also stressed the importance of breaking the stigma that continues to discourage Filipinos from speaking up and seeking help.

“It is high time to stop romanticizing resilience when what our people need is support. It’s not weakness to seek help. It’s not being dramatic. And most of all, it’s not something to be ashamed of,” Villar said.

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He also called on families, friends, and communities to normalize conversations about mental health and provide a safe space for those experiencing difficulties.

“May we encourage, normalize, and open discussions on mental health with our friends and loved ones. Let’s end the stigma. Let’s make it a habit to check on and listen without judgment to people experiencing mental health struggles. Let’s make them feel that they’re not alone in this battle,” Villar said.

Villar emphasized that every case represents a life and a family, and that mental health services must be available regardless of a person’s location, age, or status in life.

“Self-harm and mental health-related deaths are not merely statistics. Behind every number is a person — a friend, a family member, a colleague, or a schoolmate. There are lives and stories behind every figure we present in this chamber,” Villar said.

READ: Suicide prevention begins with listening, understanding, and support

Mental health funding

With Congress now deliberating on the proposed 2027 national budget, Villar called for sufficient funding for the comprehensive implementation of existing mental health laws and the improvement of the country’s mental healthcare system.

Villar likewise highlighted some measures he filed in the previous and current Congress to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and access to support:

• Student Guidance Counseling Act, which was integrated into the Comprehensive School Safety Act
• One Registered Nurse in Every Barangay
• Anti-Workplace Bullying Act
• Youth Suicide Prevention Act, which seeks to institutionalize suicide intervention through life-planning education for the youth

“As we observe the Suicide Prevention Month, let us honor those we have lost not only with words, but with meaningful action. May their lives strengthen our resolve to act and to legislate with compassion, urgency, and purpose, in service of every Filipino,” Villar said.

“One life needlessly lost is already one too many. We must take our part in ensuring that no life would succumb to the pressures of mental health struggles,” Villar concluded.

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For those who need immediate mental health support, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline is available 24/7. Call 1553 (nationwide landline toll-free), 0917-899-8727, 0966-351-4518, or 0908-639-2

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)

Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.