Manay Gina Harps Mental Health’s Value in the Hustings

 

 IN a time when mental health challenges are rising across the country, a combacking congressional candidate in the 4^th District of Pangasinan has been trumpheting its importance to voters in May 12's polls.

 Former Congresswoman Gina de Venecia has been harping the issue of "O" she derived from her campaign slogan's “LOVE”.  “O” stands for Overall Mental Health.

The acronym  of LOVE stands for: L for  Livelihood; O for Overall Health Care; V for Values Formation; and E for Education and Environment.

MENTAL HEALTH'S POSTER (top photo and clockwise); Pangasinan 4th District's comebacking congressional bet Gina de Venecia; and  Dr. Honey Carandang.

The actuation of the former solon was a bold and timely according to mental health advocates.

 Dr. Lourdes A. Carandang, popularly known as Dr. Honey Carandang -- the Philippines' foremost clinical psychologist and National Social Scientist ---, for one praised De Venecia’s initiative.

“Parang si Gina de Venecia lang ang nagsama ng mental health sa kanyang platform. Sobrang importante sa panahong ito! Matagal ko nang hinihintay ito,” she said in Tagalog,

Carandang emphasized the urgency of addressing mental health concerns, especially among the youth, amid rising cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

 The Doctor, a child and family therapist and Clinical Psychologist for the past 50 years, explained: “Nakita ko kung gaano ka urgent ito. During these turbulent times of unprecedented rise of the incidence of mental health concerns like anxiety, depression and even suicide, especially among our young people it is very important and quite urgent that we pay attention to mental health and that we talk openly about it in public discourse”.

She stressed: "Now more than ever before, ito ang isa sa pinaka importanteng issue na dapat nating pagtuonan ng pansin, hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo!”

This growing concern is echoed by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Pangasinan Chapter, which reports a steady increase in mental health consultations. PMHA Executive Manager Michael Romero notes that young adults, particularly those aged 19 to 45, are the most affected. Common conditions include anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia—yet stigma continues to prevent many from seeking help early. Romero points to former Congresswoman De Venecia's significant support for mental health, citing her role in helping establish the infrastructure for PMHA Pangasinan.

 Romero also acknowledged her ongoing efforts to bring mental health to the forefront of public discourse, a cause her son, outgoing Congressman Christopher de Venecia, continues to support.

 In her platform, Manay Gina promises to develop comprehensive programs that focus not only on physical health but also on the mental and emotional well-being of her constituents.

 The recent rise in suicide cases in Pangasinan has reinforced her commitment to this cause. With growing awareness, but persistent stain and lack of resources. Gina de Venecia’s emphasis on mental health in her electoral campaign is not just timely but also critical.

 Her “LOVE” platform sends a clear message to all and sundry: mental health matters, and it's time it takes center stage in policymaking.