Cebu provincial board OKs suicide barriers on bridges

MANILA, Philippines — The Cebu provincial board passed a resolution yesterday urging the city government of Mandaue to study the possibility of putting up nets and barbed wires on bridges connecting mainland Cebu and Mactan island to prevent suicide attempts.

Board member Tata Corrominas-Torribio, who sponsored the resolution, expressed concern over reported suicide attempts on the Marcelo Fernan and Mandaue-Mactan bridges.

A 19-year-old woman died after jumping off Mandaue-Mactan bridge last June 30. A man, 40, also attempted to jump from the same bridge last January.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III welcomed the passage of the resolution. However, he said the city government of Mandaue is not solely managing the bridges.

The Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board, which is composed of representatives of the Cebu provincial government, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu municipal governments as well as the Department of Public Works and Highways, oversees undertakings on the two bridges.

To prevent suicides, Davide said the provincial health office has tied up with the Philippine Mental Health Association to conduct mental health programs in local government units in the province. – The Freeman