In a proactive effort to address the rising concerns surrounding mental health and suicide prevention, this year’s Northern Mindanao Dagyaw Townhall Meeting is set to take place on September 15, 2023, at the Limketkai Rotunda Event Center.

The gathering promises to be a pivotal event, underscoring its theme dubbed as, “Pagsabot: Building Resilient Communities for Suicide Prevention”.

Open,protected space for dialogue 

Now in its fifth cycle since its launch in 2019, the Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall meeting remains an avenue for the Filipino people to engage with its government by providing an inclusive, impartial, and safe platform for meaningful dialogue.

Dagyaw persists in its mission to foster mutual trust between the citizens and the government. This is achieved through the dissemination of essential information about the government’s initiatives, programs, and projects related to key topics at hand. The insights garnered from these interactions will subsequently serve as invaluable resources for both local and national bodies on public decision-making processes and the formulation of laws and policies.

Nurturing resilience and empathy within the community

As the world grapples with the complexities of mental health and suicide prevention, the theme “Pagsabot”, which translates to “Understanding”, serves as the cornerstone of Dagyaw 2023. It reflects the collective determination to build a future where no one feels alone in their adversity.

DILG 10 Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko explained that this year’s Dagyaw aims to break the stigma of mental issues as it invites people to understand and create a safe space for dialogues like the theme

“We cannot afford to remain silent on the issues of mental health and suicide. It is our responsibility as a community to come together, and create an environment where people feel safe seeking help,” he said.

The town hall meeting will feature a lineup of expert speakers, including renowned medical professionals and mental health advocates who will share their expertise and experiences.

Interactive sessions and creative contests, such as audio-visual presentations (AVP) and poster-making, are also on the agenda, providing the participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to recognize signs of distress, offer support, and build resilience.

The Dagyaw 2023 Townhall Meeting is expected to attract a diverse audience, including community leaders, educators, students, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens. The organizers are hopeful that such an event will lay the groundwork for a more empathetic and robust Northern Mindanao, one where bonds of support and understanding are unwavering.

The conduct of Dagyaw is through the concerted efforts of the DILG 10, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – 10, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) – 10, and Department of Health (DOH) – 10. (DILG ORD PDMU / P. Felicilda)