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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Valenzuela gov't launches mental health program for students

Valenzuela gov't launches mental health program for students

Published Aug 25, 2026 02:29 pm
The Valenzuela City government has launched a school-based mental health program to make psychological and wellness services more accessible to students.
Mayor Weslie
Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian leads the launch of the PANATAG Mental Health Program at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela on Monday, Aug. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela PIO)
Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian led the launch of the PANATAG Mental Health Program at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) on Monday, Aug. 24.
Implemented in partnership with Mindscapes by PhilCare, the program offers psychological consultations, nutritionist and social worker consultations, mental health assessments, and 24/7 chat and helpline support.
The services will also be available to dependents and other household members of beneficiaries.
PANATAG Mental Health Hubs will be established at PLV and Valenzuela Technological College (ValTech), providing students with dedicated spaces where they can seek mental health support on campus.
Students are required to register using email addresses provided under the program before they can access the services.
Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian joins students during the launch of the PANATAG Mental Health Program at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela on Monday, Aug. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela PIO)
Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian joins students during the launch of the PANATAG Mental Health Program at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela on Monday, Aug. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela PIO)
Gatchalian said the city wants to ensure that young people have someone to turn to when they need help.
“Hindi natin maibabalik ang mga buhay na nawala. Pero maaari nating tiyakin na sa susunod na kabataang magsasabing, ‘Hindi na ako okay,’ may makikinig. May tutulong. May masasandalan (We cannot bring back the lives that were lost. But we can make sure that the next young person who says, ‘I’m not okay anymore,’ will have someone who will listen, help, and support them),” Gatchalian said.
He added that support should go beyond simply telling students that help is available.
“Kailangan nating tiyaking may tunay silang malalapitan. Kaya sa Valenzuela City, inilunsad natin ang kauna-unahang LGU-supported, school-based mental health program sa Pilipinas, na sisimulan natin sa Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela at ValTech (We have to make sure that they truly have someone to turn to. That is why in Valenzuela City, we launched what we believe is the first LGU-supported, school-based mental health program in the Philippines, starting at PLV and ValTech),” the mayor said.
The city government said the program also focuses on privacy, data security, and easier access to services.
It added that PANATAG aims to encourage students to seek help without fear of stigma and provide timely support to those experiencing mental health concerns.

Related Tags

METRONEWS Valenzuela City Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie \"Wes\" Gatchalian
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