Concern for the mental health of Filipino youth is growing as data reveals an alarming rise in suicide attempts and incidents. The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that in the 2021 to 2022 academic year, 404 public school students died by suicide, with 2,147 attempts. Since 2013, three percent of Filipino youths tried to end their lives. By 2021, that number rose to 7.5 percent, or nearly 1.5 million. Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds (WHO, 2024).
Recognizing the urgent need to address this crisis, Unilab Foundation partnered with government stakeholders like DepEd, the Department of Health and the Commission on Higher Education, alongside mental health professionals, to launch Heads Up PH, a mental health initiative in schools and colleges nationwide.
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