PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College, through its Guidance, Counselling, and Testing Unit, conducted a series of activities in September to promote suicide prevention, encourage help-seeking, and strengthen a culture of care and connection among students.
The month-long observance featured the “Wear Yellow Every Wednesday” campaign on September 9, 16, 23, and 30, and the student-focused talk “You Matter: Building Connection, Hope, and Help-Seeking among Students” on September 11.
The activities provided opportunities for the DNSC community to engage in conversations about emotional well-being, recognize the importance of social connection, and encourage students to seek support when facing difficult circumstances.
The campaign comes amid continuing concerns about suicide as a public health issue. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines recorded 3,379 deaths due to intentional self-harm in 2024, equivalent to a suicide mortality rate of 2.7 deaths per 100,000 population. The mortality rate was higher among males at 4.4 per 100,000, compared with 1.0 per 100,000 among females.
The September activities also aligned with the 2024–2026 World Suicide Prevention Day campaign, which carries the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and encourages open conversations to help reduce stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
Through the “You Matter” session, DNSC encouraged students to recognize that reaching out for support is an important step in navigating personal challenges. The campaign also reinforced the role of peers, faculty, staff, and support units in fostering an environment where students can speak about their concerns and access appropriate assistance.
