BANATE, Iloilo — The Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion (PRIME) brought its mental health advocacy directly to students at Banate National High School on July 12, 2026. The Mental Health Awareness Forum 2026 opened a safe space for young people to learn, share, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
A Safe Space for Open Conversations
The forum created an environment where students could speak freely about their struggles. Facilitators encouraged honest dialogue on emotional well‑being and coping with academic pressure. Topics like recognizing early signs of distress and reaching out for help were discussed without judgment.
Participants learned that mental health is just as important as physical health. The sessions focused on practical strategies for managing daily stress and building resilience. Teachers and community members joined the youth, reinforcing a network of support that extends beyond the school gates.
Community Leaders Unite for Mental Health
Mr. John Paolo Clark S. Riosa, Banate’s representative for Mr. Iloilo 2026, actively supported the campaign. He helped distribute PRIME flyers and installed an advocacy tarpaulin on campus, turning the school into a visible beacon of mental health awareness. His involvement underscored that young leaders can champion emotional well‑being.
The Local Youth Development Office of Banate spearheaded the event, working closely with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Their collaboration demonstrated a whole‑of‑community approach to addressing the psychological needs of the youth. Local officials reiterated their commitment to creating safe environments where every voice matters.
PRIME Expands Its Grassroots Reach
PRIME, the Iloilo Provincial Government’s flagship mental health helpline, continues to bring psychosocial support directly to communities. The forum was part of an ongoing effort to normalize conversations around mental health and dismantle stigma. By meeting students where they are, the program ensures that help is accessible and immediate.
Informational materials distributed during the event provided clear guidance on where to seek assistance. The advocacy tarpaulin will serve as a permanent reminder for students that they are not alone. PRIME’s presence in Banate signals that mental health care is a priority, not an afterthought.
A Lifeline for Those in Crisis
The forum reinforced a powerful message: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Students were reminded that professional support is just a phone call away. The PRIME Helpline operates 24/7, offering confidential and compassionate care to anyone in emotional distress.
Hotline numbers—0968 855 0997 for SMART and 0966 241 8133 for GLOBE—were shared widely. These numbers connect callers to trained responders who can provide immediate assistance and link them to further services. The accessibility of this lifeline is crucial for youth who might otherwise suffer in silence.
A Provincial Movement Toward Mental Wellness
The Banate forum is part of a larger provincial push to strengthen school‑based mental health support. Earlier this year, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer partnered with the Department of Education to integrate PRIME into schools. This collaboration ensures that vulnerable learners have a direct pathway to professional care.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has called the youth mental health crisis a priority, noting that the 17‑to‑30 age group is the most affected. By bringing these conversations directly to high schools, the province aims to intervene early and continue the downward trend in suicide cases. Every forum, every flyer, and every conversation moves Iloilo closer to a future where mental wellness is fully valued.
