The Philippine Senate Committee on Youth, chaired by Sen. Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' T. Go held its organizational meeting and public hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to address the rising incidence of suicide attempts among Filipino youth.

During the session, the panel discussed Senate Bill Nos. 258 and 1948, which aim to expand early intervention programs and preventive measures for at-risk youth.

The hearing gathered input from government officials, mental health experts, and advocacy groups to identify effective strategies for detecting and addressing mental health issues in adolescents.

Go expressed deep concern over the increasing number of suicide attempts among young Filipinos, emphasizing the importance of treating mental health with the same urgency as other medical conditions.

Reaffirming the committee’s commitment to safeguarding young Filipinos, Go said, “Let us act now to ensure our youth are supported, heard, and never abandoned in times of mental health crises.”

He stressed the importance of ensuring youth have opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed, whether as future public servants, innovators, or leaders.

The session marked the first step in the Senate’s intensified efforts to strengthen mental health initiatives targeting youth across the country, signaling a renewed focus on early intervention, awareness, and holistic support systems for Filipino adolescents.