With just days before the national elections, senatorial candidate Camille Villar is making a strong push for mental health awareness, underscoring it as a vital component of public health and one of her key advocacies.

“It’s OK not to be OK,” Villar said, as she encouraged Filipinos to acknowledge and address mental health struggles, especially in the face of mounting personal and professional pressures. “Mental health is health,” she stressed.

Speaking during a campaign event, the millennial candidate emphasized the need for open discussions around mental health and the removal of stigma surrounding it. “This is a real issue that affects people of all ages. It’s something we shouldn’t be ashamed of,” Villar said.

She also urged PhilHealth to expand its coverage to include comprehensive mental health services to better support individuals seeking treatment and counseling.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Villar reinforced the message that mental well-being is as essential as physical health. “Mental health is a basic need. Every Filipino deserves access to proper care and understanding,” she said in Filipino.

Beyond her campaign promises, Villar pointed to her work in Congress, where she filed House Bill No. 10933, the proposed “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act.” The bill seeks to institutionalize support systems for educators, focusing on their psychological and emotional welfare.

“Our teachers shape future generations. Supporting their mental health is not only about their well-being, but about improving our education system as a whole,” Villar explained.

As she wraps up her campaign, Villar continues to advocate for a more compassionate and responsive government that addresses the mental health needs of every Filipino. “You are not alone,” she said. “We are here for each other.”