Quimbo urges CHEd to adopt 'TeleKonsulta' to address mental health concerns in schools
At A Glance
- Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo is prodding the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to establish online consultations, otherwise known as "TeleKonsulta", as a response to the worsening mental health issues of students and teachers alike.
Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo (PPAB)
Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo is prodding the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to establish online consultations, otherwise known as “TeleKonsulta”, as a response to the worsening mental health issues of students and teachers alike.
During CHEd’s budget deliberations before the House Commitee on Appropriations Thursday, Aug. 8, Quimbo noted how her district has successfully conducted online consultations.
"Nagawa na po natin ito sa Marikina, at naniniwala akong kaya ring ipatupad [ang TeleKonsulta] sa ibang lugar," she told the agency.
(We have already done it in Marikina, and I believe TeleKonsulta can be implemented in other places as well.)
According to Quimbo, online consultation is not only cost-effective; it is also “very feasible”.
She said CHEd could consider partnering with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in this endeavor given that most students, teachers, and members of faculties are covered by the state health insurer.
“If you wish, we can have a meeting. I can teach you how to do it. I’m telling you it’s a very possible solution. Lahat naman ng kabataan (All the young people), I’m sure they’ll be open kasi sanay naman po sila (because they're used) to having online virtual consultations,” the congresswoman said.
CHEd Chairperson Prospero de Vera said he welcomes this promising suggestion.
“Kokopyahin po namin ‘yung ginagawa sa (We will copy what is being done in) Marikina and we will try to copy it and implement it in other areas,” De Vera said.
Quimbo, who was presiding over the budget hearing, stressed that CHEd was responsible for ensuring that every higher educational institution, whether public or private, offers quality programs for Filipino students.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one out of eight individuals is living with a mental health condition. Among students, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are the most prevalent.