Baguio City sees rise in suicides among young adults

Baguio City has reported 35 suicide cases in 2025, an increase from 29 in 2024, raising concerns among local mental health experts.

The majority of recent suicide victims were between 16 and 30 years old, with a higher incidence among men, and unlike previous years, most were residents of Baguio City.

Online gambling, financial stress, family problems, trauma, and bullying are identified as significant contributing factors to these tragic events.

In response, Baguio City is enhancing mental health programs and prevention campaigns, focusing on promoting help-seeking behavior and normalizing conversations about mental health.

Local companies have engaged in workshops on the Mental Health Act, and media professionals have received training on reporting sensitive topics responsibly.

City employees now benefit from two hours of mental health breaks weekly, and the Lucban Health Center provides PhilHealth-covered therapy and medication services.