A new law has been signed aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges among students and school personnel by institutionalizing mental health programs in basic education institutions across the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on December 9 signed into law Republic Act No. 12064, also known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which seeks to enhance the overall well-being of the educational stakeholders by fostering a more resilient and productive learning environment.

“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes,” President Marcos stressed. 

The president described the law as an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future of the nation, particularly in light of alarming statistics revealing that 17% of young people in the Philippines have contemplated suicide, yet fewer than 1% have sought professional help.

The new law mandates that each public and private school establish Care Centers to provide counseling, stress management workshops, and mental health screenings. These centers will also offer crisis response and referral services, helping to reduce stigma around mental health issues. 

In addition to creating mental health services in schools, the law also requires the establishment of a Mental Health and Well-Being Office in each Schools Division Office, which will oversee the implementation of school-based mental health programs, ensuring their effectiveness and compliance. 

The law also calls for the creation of new positions for school counselors and counselor associates, addressing the current shortage of mental health professionals in the education system.

“With this new law, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that our learners are equipped with the socio-emotional skills and support to navigate the challenges of modern life,” Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara underscored.

Senator Win Gatchalian, Educational Commission 2 (EDCOM2) co-chairperson and a co-author of the law, highlighted the urgency of addressing both mental health and bullying in schools. 

“This law seeks to address gaps in the education system’s ability to support student mental health, especially since the Philippines has the highest reported cases of bullying among students in the world. We hope to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for Filipino learners,” he stated.

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