‘90 % of OSYs commit suicide in aggie town’

By Jen Sabado-Tabangcura

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A research project under the Institute of Social Research and Development on the alarming rate of suicide cases in one farming community in Northern Philippines was recently presented to the public.

Results of the study titled, “Pansig’dan: Promoting Well-being in an Agricultural Community in Northern Luzon, Philippines,” revealed that 90% of suicide cases are committed by out-of-school-youth, relatively young with ages ranging from 15-25. The town was not disclosed.

The study has proven that accessibility and availability of ‘means-of-suicide’ like pesticides has facilitated self-inflicted injuries yet the study results also shows that this can be prevented.

Other factors that came up include suicide clustering, peer pressure, family history and pesticide use.  

With pesticide dependency as  a main feature of chemical based farming, it shapes the character of everyday transactions including the  reckless use of the technology.  

This has to be understood in the context of visibility of pesticide technicians providing almost single handedly information and advertising of their farm chemicals, the research said.  

The researchers recommended the establishment of school counseling centers to be institutionalized for young people, community integration activities, and comprehensive plan for the assessment of health and well-being situation as well as alternative farming practices.

The presentation of  these results on September 28, 2012 at the 3^rd Floor, Land Bank, Trinidad ended with a commitment ceremony from the different sectors concerned with the problem.

The DOST-CAR committed to promote organic agriculture, the DepEd CAR committed to strengthen value integration, to all subjects taught in schools, strengthen guidance, sports, health and nutrition programs and the integration of parental guidance in PTA and Homeroom programs.

The LGU Benguet represented by Mr. Paul Bagano reiterated the standing ban on a pesticide brand that has been frequently ingested by suicide victims.

Inus Bernard from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) explained the role of FPA in regulating pesticides used by farmers.  

 A women’s organization leader from the community thanked the researchers for their efforts to halt the ‘suicide clustering’ that happened. 

The research, being an action research included extension activities such as psycho-educational activities  for both  parents and students , participation in the provincial pesticide task force, a full-week advocacy through the BSU on the Air as part of the observance of the International Suicide Prevention month in 2010 & 2011 and in 2012 the observance was in line with CHED’s national call and conduct and sponsoring of farmer’s forum and planning for organic farming. Flyers and brochures were likewise distributed as part of the campaign and education.   

The researchers are Ruth Sidchogan-Batani, Stanley Anongos Jr., Mursha D. Gapasin, Rachelle D. De Guzman, Betty C. Listino, Beverly C. Sa-ao, Tecah C. Sagandoy and Gregorio T. Taag.