The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the National Youth Commission (NYC), on Thursday urged young Filipinos facing mental health struggles to seek support through Mental Health Youth Hubs operating nationwide.

The call supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to place youth well-being at the center of national development.

Speaking at the DILG Kapihan, NYC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Francisco R. Ortega said many young people in barangays stay silent because they fear being judged or talked about.

“May mga kabataan na nagsa-suffer sa mental health sa mga barangay, minsan nahihiya silang pumunta sa mga barangay health units nila kasi kilala ang pamilya nila, natsi-tsismis sila,” he said.

He urged those who need help to contact the Commission so support can reach them directly.

“We encourage you, punta kayo sa amin, sa area offices ng NYC, contact us, then we’ll find a way to go to you to ensure you have somebody to talk to,” Ortega added.

He explained that the Mental Health Youth Hub is not a single physical center, but a network of trained volunteers mobilized by the NYC to provide counseling and support, especially in communities that request assistance.

According to Ortega, the Commission institutionalized and funds the program so it can reach more young people, including those in remote areas where access to mental health services remains limited.

He also stressed that mental health struggles do not discriminate. “Ang mental health po ay hindi pinipili kung mayaman ka o mahirap… old or young. Everybody is going through mental health.”

Ortega added that amid the growing number of youth and student suicides linked to bullying, the NYC is set to launch the country’s first Anti-Bullying Summit in 2027.