“Strength is not the absence of struggle, and healing is not weakness but courage in motion.”

Thus declared Mayor Benjamin Magalong in a social media post in honor of October as Mental Health Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“As we advocate for good governance, let us also remember that leadership is not only about accountability in service: it’s also about compassion for others and care for oneself,” he said.

“To everyone facing silent battles, whether it’s the weight of expectations, the fight against illness, or the daily pressure to stay strong, know this: you are not alone.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of bravery,” the Mayor added.

He is urging everyone to begin the week with empathy and resilience, check our mental health and those around us, support awareness, early detection, and compassion for breast cancer warriors, and lead with kindness because every heart we uplift strengthens our community.

“True courage is not just in fighting corruption or injustice—it’s also in choosing to care, to heal, and to keep going,” the Mayor stressed.-Gaby B. Keith