02/09/2026
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On September 1, 2026, the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Virac-Municipal Health Office, strengthened its commitment to youth mental health by conducting an Orientation for Child and Youth Gatekeepers on Mental Health and Su***de Prevention at Queen Maricel Inn.
The meaningful activity brought together more than a hundred youth participants from various organizations and youth sectors, including the CNHS-Youth for Environment in School Organization, Catanduanes State University (CATSU) Nursing Students, Local Youth Development Office-Virac, and Virac Sangguniang Kabataan officials and members.
The LGU Virac extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development, especially Ms. Windalyn Baluis, for sharing her expertise and valuable insights on Mental Health Literacy, Myths and Facts, and Mental Health First Aid.
Through this initiative, our youth leaders are empowered with essential knowledge, awareness, and practical skills to recognize mental health concerns, provide appropriate initial support, promote help-seeking, and become advocates for mental health and su***de prevention within their schools, communities, and peer groups.
A significant milestone of the activity was the election of the first-ever Virac Youth Gatekeepers Officers.
Their election marks an important step toward establishing a sustained, youth-led support network aligned with the DOHβs goal of strengthening community capacity for mental health promotion and su***de prevention.
As youth gatekeepers, these officers will help connect, mobilize, and empower young peopleβserving as advocates for mental health awareness, encouraging early recognition of concerns, promoting appropriate referral and help-seeking, and helping create a supportive environment where every young person feels heard and valued.
This is more than an organization, it is a commitment to become part of the solution.
Together, we envision a generation of youth leaders who are informed, compassionate, proactive, and ready to stand with their fellow young people in promoting mental well-being, hope, and a culture of support.
Empowered youth. Informed communities. Stronger support systems.
π For every young person who needs someone to listen, someone to understand, and someone to helpβour Youth Gatekeepers are ready to stand with you.
***dePrevention