MAKATI CITY — The Makati City Government joined the Philippine Mental Health Association’s “Light Up Blue” campaign on October 10, 2026, illuminating key city landmarks and facilities in blue to mark World Mental Health Day. The annual observance carries the global theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” which calls on communities to move beyond awareness and actively involve individuals with lived experiences in shaping mental health policies and services. In Makati, the blue illumination serves as both a symbolic gesture of solidarity and a reminder that mental well-being is an essential part of overall health.
A City That Listens and Responds
Makati’s observance of World Mental Health Day is anchored in a comprehensive support system that operates year-round. Residents experiencing a mental health crisis are directed by the Makati Health Department to appropriate national crisis services and professional support channels. Beyond crisis response, the Makati Health Department regularly conducts awareness campaigns, lectures, and community-based activities to improve public understanding of mental health. School-based programs ensure that mental health education and support reach young people within their own communities, reflecting the city’s goal of building a more informed, compassionate, and resilient community.
Creative Spaces for Conversation in Makati
The observance of World Mental Health Day also finds expression through creative and community-centered events. From October 9 to 11, #MentalHealthPH, in partnership with Y-Space at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati, hosted a series of campaigns titled “You Are Home: Creating Safe Spaces for Every Story.” The exhibit transformed four essential spaces, a bedroom, dining area, living room, and bathroom, into interactive environments where visitors could pause, reflect, and share personal stories. A highlight was “Living Literatures,” an intimate storytelling experience inspired by the Human Library concept, where individuals with lived experiences served as “human books” to promote understanding and connection. These initiatives reinforce the message that every story matters and every voice can help inspire change.
