By James Murillo Elaco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a strong demonstration of Rotary International’s commitment to service, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and the Rotary Club of Makati, in partnership with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Education (DepEd), launched the SuPEER Heroes of the Millennium program on March 3, 2025, at the Cagayan de Oro National High School Old Building. With the theme “Empowering the Youth to Combat Depression and Self-Harm Through a Network of Peer Support,” the initiative aims to strengthen youth mental health and promote suicide prevention.
Led by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, known for operating Hopeline, a crisis hotline for individuals experiencing distress and mental health issues, the event gathered Junior High School students from various schools in Cagayan de Oro City. The program focuses on empowering peers to support each other in dealing with mental health challenges, recognizing that young people may find it easier to confide in those of their own age group.
SuPEER Heroes empowers resilient youth to support their peers, making mental health care more accessible and effective.
Neil Ronard J. Que, President of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro, emphasized the importance of addressing depression. “Depression threatens and destroys the very fabric of our society—our families, our youth. But by the grace of the Lord, hope in our hearts, and faith in each other, we will see this giant fall. You will be the pioneers of Northern Mindanao’s SuPEER Heroes,” Que said.
Unlike traditional mental health programs, SuPEER Heroes takes a unique approach by identifying and training strong, resilient young individuals who can serve as support systems for their peers. The initiative acknowledges that peer support can be a more effective tool in addressing mental health struggles among the youth.
Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro President Neil Ronard J. Que highlights the fight against depression, calling the youth the pioneers of Northern Mindanao’s SuPEER Heroes.
One of the participants, Gil Khloe Molion, a Junior High School student from Phinma COC, shared her expectations for the program. “I hope this training will help us conquer our fears, recognize our strengths, overcome our problems, and manage the anxieties we face. I also expect that we will learn to grow, improve, and guide others through this program,” she said.
With the rising concerns surrounding youth mental health, the SuPEER Heroes initiative offers a proactive approach, equipping students with the tools to support one another and create a more compassionate and understanding environment in their schools and communities. (JME/MDN)
