By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act,” that aims to institutionalize mental health and well-being programs for both basic education learners as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.
“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but thrive holistically. Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and with purpose,” President Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing of the law in Malacañan Palace.
“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes. Beyond being a safeguard to our youth and school personnel, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,” he added.
The highest official of the land stressed that this law enables schools to serve as “sanctuaries of learning and well-being,” serving as a catalyst for equipping students and teachers with appropriate emotional and mental capabilities in the midst of modern challenges.
Care Centers will be established in every public basic education school, headed by a school counselor and assisted by school counselor associates that will provide counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs that will help reduce stigma on mental health.
The Chief Executive also tagged the legislation as urgent and undeniable, citing how mental health challenges could cost USD 16 trillion in losses by 2030 globally; he cited evidence such as decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel, reiterating that the newly-signed Act shall hopefully reverse this trend and contribute to nation building.
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