PGMN anchor and certified resilience coach Louie Sangalang reported that November marks the global observance of Movember, an international initiative that began in Australia as “No-Shave November” to raise awareness about men’s health.
The movement has since expanded worldwide, focusing on physical and mental health issues that many men often keep unaddressed.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2023), Filipino men have a life expectancy of 67 years, which is almost seven years shorter than that of Filipino women. Sangalang also cited World Health Organization (2023) findings showing that stroke, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and diabetes are the top causes of death among men, conditions often linked to lifestyle, stress, and the lack of regular medical check-ups.
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Movember also emphasizes awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. The WHO Cancer Report (2023) states that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men globally, while testicular cancer is the most common among males aged 15 to 39. In the Philippines, IARC Globocan recorded more than 9,700 new prostate cancer cases in 2022.
Mental health remains a major concern. WHO data published in 2021 estimated that 3.3 million Filipinos had depressive disorders as early as 2017, with many men reportedly avoiding seeking help. The World Bank reported 3.5 suicide deaths per 100,000 Filipinos in 2021, most of whom were male, and the Philippine Statistics Authority documented a 57 percent increase in intentional self-harm cases in 2020, reaching 4,420 deaths.
Sangalang referenced several studies providing insight into mental health risks. A 2023 study from Pampanga published in the ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry found that 24 percent of college students experienced suicidal thoughts and 9 percent attempted suicide, linking family support and spiritual well-being to protective outcomes. Another study involving Alternative Learning System learners in Manila (Estrada et al., 2019, Tropical Medicine and Health Journal) found that 40.9 percent had considered suicide, and 12.9 percent reported attempts, with many expressing that they felt misunderstood.
Available support systems include the Department of Health’s National Center for Mental Health helplines and free mental health programs in local government units such as Quezon City and Davao. Republic Act No. 11036, or the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018, requires LGUs to establish community-based mental health programs that provide counseling, referral systems, and awareness initiatives. Schools are expected to strengthen mental health education, while workplaces are encouraged to expand employee wellness programs that include counseling and stress management options.
Sangalang stressed the importance of awareness during Movember, stating, “Hindi natin alam ang totoong pinagdadaanan ng iba, so let’s be careful with what we say. A little kindness goes a long way.”
He concluded the report by underscoring the continued need for support for men facing both physical and mental health challenges.
