BAGUIO CITY — Soon, there will be a city ordinance requiring business establishments, government offices and public facilities to display mental health and substance abuse hotline numbers in visible areas.

This comes after members of the Baguio City Council approved on second reading the proposal of Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. The ordinance applies to a wide range of properties across the city. Covered commercial entities include shopping malls, retail outlets, restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, fitness centers, lodging houses, schools, corporate offices, call centers and transport terminals. It also applies to local and national government agencies, barangay halls and public spaces such as city parks, waiting sheds, footbridges and public markets.

The measure mandates that covered properties install at least two signage units in locations where individuals might seek privacy or experience distress. Designated display areas include entrances and exits of restrooms and fitting rooms, stairwells, fire exits, emergency paths, roof decks, balconies, main entryways, waiting areas, lobbies, front desks, cashier counters, elevators and hallways. Employers must also display the information on employee bulletin boards, break rooms, staff pantries and attendance logging stations.

The City Health Services Office (CHSO) and the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) will offer standardized templates, and establishments may add QR codes linking to digital hotline information.

The Mental Health and Substance Use Unit of the CHSO will act as the lead technical office responsible for designing the template and keeping the directory updated. The listed contacts will cover mental health crisis support, drug rehabilitation, alcohol dependency and smoking cessation services.

Local government departments will manage implementation within their respective jurisdictions. The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) will handle signage placement in parks and plazas, while the General Services Office and local barangays will oversee compliance in government buildings.

Business owners must submit photographic evidence of the posted signage when applying for or renewing their Mayor's Business Permit. Noncompliant businesses will receive a 30-day notice to fulfill the requirement, and failure to comply within that window may result in the withholding of permit renewals. Government agencies and barangay facilities will also have 30 days from the ordinance's effectivity to post the signages.

CHSO data recorded 47 deaths by suicide in 2025, up from 24 cases in 2024. The proposed measure aims to bolster Ordinance 29-2021, amended by Ordinance 06-2025, which created Baguio City's Mental Health Care and Developmental Wellness Program.

The legislation will undergo public consultations and further council deliberations prior to final approval.