Amazing Jing for Life: SJDM Congresswoman Rida Robes has soft spot for the Welfare of the Youth

SJDM Congresswoman Rida Robes has soft spot for the Welfare of the Youth

SJDM Congresswoman Florida Robes during the Children's Congress 2019 event

"I think it's important for us as a society to remember that the youth within juvenile justice systems are, most of the time, youths who simply haven't had the right mentors and supporters around them - because of circumstances beyond their control." --- Q'orianka Kilcher

SJDM Congresswoman Rida Robes is one tough, persuasive, principled, and kind-hearted politician we have now. And when it comes to the youth, the needy, and everything that concerns their welfare, she really has a soft spot for them. That is why, CW Rida has been promoting and very diligent in her campaign for the youth who are suffering from depression.
In an interview, the beauteous Congresswoman said, “In one public high school in a barangay in our town, 10 students, all teenagers, died of suicide due to mental health issues, in a span of one year. Many of the cases are related to online bullying."

Being an advocate for mental health, and alarmed by the situation that's happening not only within her circle or jurisdiction, Congresswoman Robes visits barangays and schools in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan then conducts trainings and activities that will help the students to be aware of their social responsibility since majority of the depression experienced by the youth were cyber-bullying and online shaming-related. “Depression needs to be treated. Early intervention can come in the form of caring. It helps a lot when a depressed individual knows someone cares,” says Cong. Rida, who could have been a psychologist had she not shifted to Hotel and Restaurant Management in St. Paul College-Manila.

Rep. Rida even shared that,"Studies have shown that the Philippines has one of the highest cases of depression in Southeast Asia. “Reports also say that at least 3.3 million Filipinos suffer from depression." That's quite a huge number of Filipinos who suffer depression, right?!

Alongside with this, our kind Rep. Rida was also appointed and recognized recently as the ambassador for Sunfull Internet Peace Movement, in recognition of her efforts to address depression among the youth. She had signed an agreement twith the Korean-based Sunfull Foundation, together with her other lawmakers, Rep Baby Arenas of Pangasinan and Rep. Ann Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Rep. Rida is working hard to put up a mental health wellness center in San Jose del Monte. In fact, House Bill No. 2383 (an act establishing a mental health clinic in the city) has been approved in the committee level in congress.

In her recent privilege speech entitled "Changing Faces," at the House of Representatives, she narrated... “In our country, the rise in the number of suicide cases and youth with mental health issues maybe attributed to a convergence of risk factors like social disconnection and weakening of helpful factors like genuine relationships and healthy lifestyles."

She reiterates the relationship of the parents and the children in the family are no longer healthy most especially when the parents work abroad, or leave the house early in the morning and come home very late at night, plus the heavy work loads of the students from school and of course the social media which plays as one of the major culprits to the mental health issues of the students. The depressive and suicidal Filipinos come from ages 13-25.

She also spoke of the need of the Department of Health to step up the implementation of Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law, particularly the launching of strong and widely promoted anti-suicide helplines. She also addressed the dire need hire guidance counselors in public schools who serves as a glimmer of hope for the students .

The Congresswoman had also admitted that she too, once a victim of bullying for her fair complexion but that didn't stop her from being good and strong-willed which she credited to both her parents. Her father has taught her to be grateful and has inspired her to venture into construction business then she also produces concerts and has a catering business too.

For me, Cong. Rida Robes' advocacy for the youth is slowly but surely taking effect and being recognized not only here in our country but outside as well. I wanna congratulate you, Rep. Rida for partaking in such campaign for the welfare of the youth and giving your every effort, time and dedication you have. This is the right time to take charge and be vigilant, if you did not emerge, and take lead on the campaign, then who else? You came in at the right moment Congresswoman and hope that others will join you in your advocacy.