The province of Bohol is confronting a mounting public health crisis as LGU officials report alarming increases in suicide cases, HIV infections, and road accident fatalities.
The town of Bilar has recorded four suicide cases this month alone, with incidents reported in the barangays of Subayon, Roxas, Owac, and Yanaya, Mayor Norman Palacios confirmed.
The victims, including a senior citizen, all faced serious personal woes before taking their lives, according to reports.
“The common denominator among suicide victims is that all of them were struggling with serious problems,” Palacios said.
In response to the crisis, the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Bilar has launched spiritual intervention programs.
Parish priest Father Gerard Lopena said the church is conducting 40-day prayer sessions, specifically aimed at addressing the suicide epidemic.
“The Church will be praying to help those who are depressed and may have suicidal tendencies,” Lopena said, adding that officials are developing strategies to handle suicide cases through public education and prayer.
Meanwhile, in the tourist town of Panglao, Councilor Aya Montero-Caindec has raised worries about simultaneous spikes in HIV infections and suicide rates.
She has called on the provincial government to consider declaring a health emergency.
Montero-Caindec, who serves on the municipal health committee, said Panglao ranks among Bohol’s areas with the highest HIV infection rates.
She has filed ordinances to establish a municipal HIV/AIDS council and create a 24-hour mental health helpline for residents struggling with anxiety and depression.
The health crisis extends to road safety, with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan urging stricter enforcement of traffic laws following a surge in vehicular accidents.
First district Board Member Mutya Tirol-Macuno bared widespread non-compliance with mandatory helmet laws for motorcycle riders.
“Huge medical bills may result from motorcycle accidents and it could be reduced by simply wearing helmets,” Macuno said during Tuesday’s regular session. “Worse, victims may end up losing their lives if they fail to wear helmets.”
The provincial board has passed a resolution calling for enhanced coordination between local governments and the Land Transportation Office to reduce road accident fatalities.