Calling bullying and online harassment “a growing threat to the well-being of an entire generation", FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe has called on government agencies to intensify mental-health programs for Filipino youth.

Poe, a member of the "House Hotshots", filed for this purpose House Resolution (HR) No. 428, wherein he noted that seven out of 10 Filipinos have experienced bullying—mostly in schools or online.

The Pangasinan-based solon says the country is facing “a silent epidemic of psychological harm that demands more than awareness; it requires action and care".

“Every time a child is bullied or humiliated online, it chips away at their confidence, their hope, and their future. If we truly care about the next generation, then we must invest in their mental health as much as we invest in their education,” he underscored.

"This is not just a policy issue—it’s a moral responsibility," added Poe.

The neophyte lawmaker emphasized that while the Philippines already has strong legal frameworks such as the Republic Act (RA) No.11036 Mental Health Act and the Department of Education's (DepEd) Child Protection Policy, implementation remains uneven.

“We already have enough laws to address bullying and online abuse. What we need now is better enforcement and sustained mental-health support from government for young people in need,” Poe said.

Under HR No. 428, Poe called on the DepEd and Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that every school employs at least one qualified mental-health professional, and to integrate mental-health first-aid training into teacher development programs.

He also urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and National Privacy Commission (NPC) to enhance online safety mechanisms and collaborate with social-media platforms to address cyberbullying in real time .

“We need 24/7 hotlines, school-based counselors, and community programs that reach every child before they reach a breaking point," he said, adding that bullying leaves invisible scars.

Poe noted that according to survey data , 91 percent of cyberbullying victims experienced harassment on major social platforms, while more than half did not report or seek help, underscoring the stigma surrounding mental-health care.

As such, he asked the DOH and LGUs to expand counseling services and mental-health awareness campaigns, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“Supporting the mental health of our youth is nation-building. When we protect their well-being, we protect the country’s future,” the party-list solon said.