PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act” into law on Monday, December 9, 2024. This measure aims to institutionalize mental health programs for students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel in both public and private schools.
The law is designed to make schools “sanctuaries of learning and well-being,” equipping learners and school staff to face modern challenges and excel holistically.
What’s in the law?
Mental Health Care Centers:
Every public basic education school will establish care centers managed by a school counselor and supported by school counselor associates.
Services include:
Counseling sessions and stress management workshops.
Mental health awareness campaigns.
Crisis response systems and referrals.
Emotional and preventive programs to reduce the stigma around mental health.
Support services offered:
Screening, evaluation, and monitoring of mental health conditions.
Mental health first aid.
Developmental and preventive programs for overall well-being.
Addressing the shortage of counselors:
New plantilla positions for school counselor associates I to V will be created to address the nationwide shortage of guidance counselors.
Qualifications for associates include relevant academic backgrounds in Guidance Counseling, Psychology, or Behavioral Science, plus a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship in a school or community setting.
Why is this important?
Marcos said schools with mentally healthy learners and staff see improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding. He also noted the economic impact of mental health challenges, which could lead to global losses of P16 trillion by 2030, if not addressed.
Locally, the challenges are clear: poor academic outcomes, burnout, and high turnover rates among students and educators. By providing mental health support, students can be better prepared to contribute to nation-building.
Bullying and mental health pandemic
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the law's principal author, highlighted the urgent need for this legislation. He pointed out that the Philippines has been considered the bullying capital of the world and is experiencing what he describes as a "pandemic" of mental health challenges.
By improving access to mental health services, Gatchalian hopes the law will:
Foster resilience among learners.
Prevent suicides.
Make schools safer environments for all.
(SunStar Philippines)
*** This article was made with the help of an automated editorial system.