Congress should ensure there is sufficient funding for the Department of Health’s (DOH) mental health programs to address the growing mental health issues hounding the Philippines.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, made the call as he lauded the DOH for rolling out a five-year mental health framework for 2024-2028.
The Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) Strategic Framework is a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing mental health issues in the country.
“Mental health is an integral component of holistic health. We need to treat it with the same level of attention, importance and care as physical health,” Go said in a statement.
“We cannot overlook mental health, especially during these challenging times. Many Filipinos are grappling with mental health issues, and it is crucial that we allocate sufficient funds for these programs,” he added.
Go said he is confident the government can address more mental health concerns in the country with the PCMH Strategic Framework, since it is designed to shape policies for mental health.
During a Senate Committee on Finance hearing earlier this month, the senator emphasized the need for proper funding and implementation of mental health programs.
Go noted that the proposed 2024 budget for the DOH has been reduced by over P10-billion compared to the current year.
"We need to restore and allocate funds for various programs, including those focused on mental health. I endorse additional funding for the DOH and urge collective action to invest more in healthcare,” he said.
Go has been pushing for the passage of measures aimed at strengthening the government’s mental health programs, such as Senate Bill No. 2200 or the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored, but is principally sponsored by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
The lawmaker has also been pushing for the passage of his proposed SBN 1786, which seeks to mandate public higher education institutions to establish Mental Health Offices in their campuses, saying there is an urgency to address the 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,” Go said.