Cebu City Councilor Francis Esparis has called for stronger mental health support within the city government following the death of a popular media influencer that reignited public concern over emotional distress and the pressures of social media.
In a privilege speech delivered during the City Council’s last regular session for October, Esparis described mental health as a collective responsibility and warned of an ‘epidemic of loneliness’ affecting individuals regardless of status or appearance.
‘Adunay mga tawo nga bisan anaa taliwa sa bagang duot sa katawhan nagpabilin pa gihapon nga gibating nag-inusara,’ Esparis said, ‘adunay mga tawo nga bisan nagbuntaog na sa gahom, salapi, ug kabantog, ang kinabuhi alang kanila nagpabiling haw-ang, nagduliraw sa kangitngit.’
He urged fellow officials and the public to offer simple gestures of compassion, asking those present to turn to their seatmates and ask, ‘Kumusta ka karong adlawa?’
Esparis said this helps people feel seen, heard, and acknowledged –especially those silently struggling.
He also addressed the stigma surrounding suicide, noting how some react with disbelief when someone perceived as attractive or successful takes their own life.
‘Usahay, kung naay mokutlo sa iyang kaugalingong kinabuhi nga gwapa o gwapo, naay mo-ingon, ‘kasayang niya, nagsuicide man nga gwapa o gwapo man unta!’ Walay gipiling panagway o pamayhon ang kasub-anan,’ he said.
While clarifying that his speech wasn’t psychiatric or psychological advice, Esparis offered personal counsel for those experiencing breakdowns and loneliness, urging individuals to remember their worth, surround themselves with the right people, and trust in God.
‘Adunay kay bili sa kaugalingon nga bisan kinsang hari o gamhanan, bisan tawo nga imong gihigugma o gikasilagan, dili mahimong makalangkat niini, hangtod nga imo kining ihatag,’ he said, ‘don’t let anyone make you feel small –not a single day, not a single second.’
He also advised against staying in harmful company, saying, ‘Choose to be alone, when necessary, rather than be with the wrong people. Sa tinuod lang, sa mga dagkong gubat sa atong kinabuhi, we can only count with our fingers the people who will truly help us.’
To institutionalize support, Esparis proposed for an executive session to revisit the city’s mental health programs, with representatives from the Department of Health-7, the City Health Department, and mental health-focused non-government organizations, and for the city government to consider hiring a psychologist to be assigned at City Hall, serving both employees and walk-in constituents.
The speech follows earlier proposals from former councilors Rey Gealon and Mary Ann de los Santos to implement existing mental health ordinances and establish a crisis response program, especially after reported suicide attempts in the city.
Mental health remains a growing concern in Cebu, where economic pressures, digital exposure, and post-pandemic recovery have contributed to rising cases of anxiety and depression. Advocates also continue to call for stronger coordination, public education, and accessible support services.