With many schools now gradually transitioning to face-to-face classes, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it is "crucial" for the government to help address the mental health of both the teachers and the students.
CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the shift to remote and blended learning over the past years because of the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected the mental state of both teachers and students alike.
In fact, De Guia said, a survey conducted by the Movement for Safe, Equitable, Quality and Relevant Education or SEQuRE revealed that 54.7 percent of students noted that their physical and mental health were negatively impacted because of distance learning.
She cited that in October 2020, the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan even tracked 13 cases of students committing suicide, with reasons linked to the pressure of accomplishing their academic requirements while coping with the pandemic.
She also said that Filipino educators complained of burnout, extended working hours, and heavier workloads during the implementation of distance learning.
Now that schools are shifting back to face-to-face classes, De Guia said that it is important to address the mental health rights of students, teachers, and school personnel during this period of recovery.
The filing of Senate Bill (SB) No. 379, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is a good start since it will institutionalize mental health and well-being programs in schools, she said.
"The proposed measure concretely outlines the State obligation to value the mental health of the public, particularly the vulnerable young learners, through accessible, quality, and appropriate services to prevent and treat mental health conditions," she stressed.
Under the SB 379, a Mental Health and Well-Being Center will be set up in public and private basic education institutions. At the same time, it will provide for the hiring of mental health professionals and the creation of plantilla positions for guidance counselors.
With these features, the CHR believes that mental health services will become more accessible for those in the education sector, De Guia said.
"CHR is hopeful that this proposed bill will provide adequate psychological and developmental support to enable both learners and educators in harnessing their full potential without compromising their well-being," she said.
"This investment will not only create a nurturing, safe space for the members of the education sector, but it will also reinforce the capacity of educational institutions in the country," she added.