01/09/2026
𝐁𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓: 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄, 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄
A Call to Vigilance, Courage, Compassion, and Faith
This September, as we observe Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, may we be reminded that behind every smile is a story, and behind every person may be a silent struggle that we do not see.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 720,000 people die by su***de every year worldwide. Su***de is also the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29, reminding us of the particular importance of caring for our young people. WHO emphasizes that su***de is preventable and that timely, evidence-based interventions can save lives.
Here in the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported an estimated su***de mortality rate of 2.7 deaths per 100,000 population in 2024, with a higher rate among males (4.4) than females (1.0). The numbers are more than statistics—they represent human lives, families, friends, dreams, and futures.
As Program Head of the Psychology Department, I encourage everyone, especially our dear CPC students, to be more VIGILANT, COURAGEOUS, and COMPASSIONATE.
𝗕𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧: Pay attention to the people around you. Notice changes in behavior, withdrawal, hopelessness, or unusual silence. Sometimes, a simple “Kamusta ka?” can open a door for someone who is struggling.
𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗨𝗦: Have the courage to speak, to listen, and to ask for help. Seeking professional or personal support is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of courage and self-care.
𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘: Let us create a community where no one feels alone, judged, or forgotten. Listen without immediately judging. Be present. Reach out. And when someone needs more help than we can provide, help connect them with a trusted person or a mental health professional.
𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟, 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗡 𝗚𝗢𝗗: Faith does not mean that we will never experience pain, sadness, confusion, or difficulties. Rather, faith reminds us that we do not have to face our struggles alone. Even in moments when we cannot see the way forward, may we continue to believe that our lives have meaning, that we are loved, and that there is always hope.
To every CPC student who may be silently struggling: YOU MATTER! YOUR LIFE MATTERS! YOUR STORY IS NOT OVER! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Let us become a community that chooses to notice, listen, accompany, pray, and help.
This September, let us not only raise awareness.
Let us raise hope. Let us protect life. Let us be there for one another.
Together, let us make CPC a community where every person feels seen, heard, valued, and loved.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAYBE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER:
Please do not leave the person alone. Reach out immediately to a trusted person, a mental health professional, the nearest emergency service, or the nearest hospital/emergency department. You may message us directly through our FACEBOOK PAGE: CPC Psychology Central Association.
𝗙𝗿. 𝗠. 𝗟𝗲𝘅 𝗢. 𝗚𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗼, 𝗣𝗵𝗗
Program Head, Psychology Department
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Graphics design by Fr. M. Lex O. Gevero, PhD