BAGUIO CITY – Mental Health and Substance Abuse is one of the highlights discussed for this month’s City Hall Hour by the Baguio Public Information Office (PIO), conducted on the 12th of February 2025 at the Baguio Convention Center.
Program Manager of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit i Dr. Ricky B. Ducas Jr., clarified the link between Substance Use and Mental Health, pointing out that the program for Mental Health and Neurological Substance Use (MNS) was formed under the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH).
According to Dr. Ducas, “In here, we have the Community-based Rehabilitation Program na ino-offer to those people who use drugs (PWOD). Dito po sa program na ito, 6 months to 3-years, ay para po sa mga gusto pong matreat ang kanilang addiction; basta po wala pong court order, hindi po siya na buy-bust, at wala pong ongoing trial ay pwedeng-pwede pong pumunta sa unit natin as long as ma-enroll po sa programang ito.” Moreover, free check-ups and consultations are available at their health services unit, located at the new DOH building at T. Alonzo Street, beside the Health Services Office.
As for the situation of mental health in the city, 981 clients were catered last year, the majority of them being women. Dr. Ricky states that despite the numbers, this is a good indicator that people are now much more open to seeking professional services for their mental health conditions.
For the local report on mental health disorders, Depression is the number one mental health disorder within Baguio City, followed by Bipolar Disorder, while cases involving Schizophrenia are on the rise within the Cordillera region. Dr. Ricky has stated the availability of health and consultation services that will accommodate those who wish to apply for their program. By Agnes Dela Pena
