By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Cognizant of the learners’ need for guidance as they go through their formative years, both inside and outside the classroom, the government continues to develop new initiatives to protect the welfare of the nation’s successors.
On Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) led the nationwide rollout of the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (#33733), which provides direct access to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline.
During his visit to the General Tiburcio De Leon National High School in Valenzuela City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara touted this initiative as pivotal in bringing government services within reach of the Filipino youth.
Secretary Angara said in his speech, “Sa pag-uugnay ng ating #33733 Helpline sa mga dalubhasa mula sa NCMH, inilalapit natin ang kalinga at dekalidad na healthcare sa bawat mag-aaral—dahil sa bawat tawag, tinitiyak natin na may katuwang sila tungo sa paggaling, kaligtasan, at panatag na kaisipan.”
Students may call the TeleSafe Helpline at #33733 to access immediate support and guidance. Likewise, parents, relatives, and learners who may need mental health assistance may also contact 0945-175-9777 or send an email to [email protected].
Through this lifeline, DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection officers will provide prompt guidance and assessment to those who call on this hotline, while working in close coordination with other agencies and institutions to resolve the concerns raised by callers.
Palace Press Officer Claire and Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro shared during a briefing on Tuesday, “Makakaasa ang sambayanan na may dalubhasang handang tumulong sakaling magkakaroon ng mental health emergency sa kanilang pamilya.
Hindi biro o kahinaan ang mental health issues. May mga taong handang makinig at gumabay sa inyo.”
jpv
