Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Thursday, September 14 welcomed the Senate’s approval of the bill that would provide a lifeline for the Filipino youth suffering from mental health challenges.
Go is referring to Senate Bill No. 2200, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act which the Senate approved on third and final reading last Monday, September 11.
The bill was initially filed by Go and principally sponsored by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
"This is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our young learners in the face of a mental health crisis that cannot be ignored," said Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.
Go further emphasized the urgency of addressing mental health issues among young learners: “It is our moral and civic duty to respond with urgency and compassion. We must refuse to let another young life be lost due to untreated mental health issues."
The bill aims to establish a Mental Health and Well-Being Center in both public and private K-12 schools. It also supports the Department of Education's (DepEd) learning recovery plan and creates new permanent positions for Guidance Counselor and Guidance Associate.
"Mental health is an integral component of holistic health…When our young learners struggle with their mental well-being, it affects every part of their lives—their academic performance, their relationships, and their overall happiness,” he added.
The bill also proposes to raise the salary grades of guidance counselors, a move that Gatchalian believes will attract more qualified professionals to these roles.
"I believe that this legislation will help destigmatize mental health problems. It also sends a message that it's okay to talk about mental health, to seek help, and to prioritize one's well-being," Go said.
"Most importantly, it creates an environment where our youth feel safe and supported," Go concluded.
At the same time, Go expressed hope the Senate will eventually pass a similar bill which he filed, SBN 1786, which is aimed at higher education institutions.
SBN 1786, he said, proposes the establishment of Mental Health Offices on campuses, along with a range of other support mechanisms.
This bill also mandates educational institutions to conduct an awareness campaign on mental health issues giving special emphasis to issues like suicide prevention, stress handling, mental health and nutrition, and guidance and counseling.
The DepEd earlier reported that in 2021, 404 students from public schools committed suicide while 2,147 attempted to take their own lives.