Sunday, June 14, 2009

Mystery of suicide cases happening in one community

A friend of mine encountered a social phenomena happening in one rural community in the Cordillera Region, Philippines. For over years, the community has witnessed suicide cases committed by residents of that particular place. My friend who is also a social researcher also belongs to that particular community and many times she attended funerals of persons who died of suicide.

The community is mostly dependent on agricultural economy run by its farmers. There are also small segmets of that area that devotes time to other economic activites but largely is anchored on agricultural products. I have yet to see if that area is deprived of sufficient social services that would color the social dynamics of the community.

The people on the otherhand are indigenous community members. Most of the families rely on their agriculture to feed their children and send them to universities. My friend describes families in that area as economically well to do, though they can't spend time on luxurious activities, they can sufficently provide for the needs of the family economically.

The pattern of suicide cases varies among adolescents (the youngest is 14 years old) and adults. There were almost over 40 suicide cases in that community during the last quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009.

What could be the reason why people in that community regardless of age and gender seem to be attracted or prone to suicide? The level of depression individually can be assessed but the more challenging part is digging deep into the problem and exploring the various issues that relatively affect and shape that phenomena. I am more into discovering the external factors affecting the community. My friend told me that a particular company that feeds in that area is a relative factor in understanding suicide cases in the community. I asked what is the significant relationship of the company with the residents of the community. She declined to answer. Its confidential, she did'nt discuss the details.

We planned to organizae a research team to look into this social phenomena. This is my first time to hear about that case and Im interested to take part in exploring the issues of that community and gradually unravel the mystery of suicide cases concentrated in one community.

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