The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) batted for a more holistic and cohesive mental health programs in public schools due to alarming rate of mental health-related incidents among the youth. Thus, it said, there is a need to immediately enact into law Senate Bill (SB) No. 379 on the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act authored by Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian. During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, it was pointed out that 404 learners from public schools committed suicide in 2021, while 2,147 students attempted to take their own lives. It was also disclosed that in 2021, a total of 775,962 learners also sought guidance counseling. However, out of 60,157 schools, there were only 16,557 guidance officers and 2,093 registered guidance counselors to address the students' issues. "There is a need to expedite and prioritize the passage of SB 379," the CHR said in a statement. "The Commission underscores that the proposed bill bolsters the implementation of Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act. In particular, by appropriating funds, creating plantilla positions for guidance associates, and increasing the salaries of guidance counselors, children will gain more access to quality and appropriate services that address various mental health concerns," it said. The CHR stressed that it is supporting fully the establishment of these "interventions" for the youth, as it pointed out the important interrelation between the right to quality education and the right to respect and well-being in a learning environment. “No child deserves to be pressured and subjected to harsh treatment that would drive them to isolation, self-harm, or suicide,” it said. On the other hand, the CHR said children deserve the right to spend their learning years in a safe, nurturing space that promotes their dignity and mental wellbeing. "In upholding Filipino young learners’ right to study in a safe and secure environment and right to be protected from bullying, discrimination, and all forms of harm, the Commission stands ready to provide guidance to the government and academic institutions so they may improve the way they uphold their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights, particularly of children," it said.