Marcos inks law expanding mental health programs in schools

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday inked the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, a landmark measure that aims to improve mental health programs in schools.

The new law will also create new plantilla positions for school counselors.

It also mandates the establishment of a comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Program for all public and private basic education institutions, including provisions for out-of-school children in special cases.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized that the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act would address the ''often overlooked but vital aspect of mental health in schools.''

''It ensures that our learners and school personnel are emotionally and mentally equipped to excel, even in the face of these modern challenges.The need for this legislation is urgent and undeniable,'' Marcos said.

''Globally, mental health concerns are escalating. In the Philippines, the statistics are alarming,'' he added.

This initiative seeks to promote mental health awareness and address mental health concerns.

More importantly, it will also improve suicide prevention efforts in academic institutions.

Economic, social losses 

Marcos said that when learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, ''academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes.''

''Beyond being a safeguard to our youth and school personnel, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,'' the President said.

He noted that the economic and social costs of neglecting mental health should never be underestimated. Marcos cited that mental health challenges could cost 16 trillion in losses by 2030. 

''Locally, the toll is evident in decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel. This Act will help in reducing such losses, making our students more productive and ready to contribute to nation building,'' Marcos said.

DepEd 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the passage of the Act, saying that “significant steps” will now be taken towards ensuring that learners are equipped with the socio-economic skills and support to navigate challenges in life. 

He thanked Marcos, the Senate, House of Representatives, as well as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) for the development.

“[President Marcos’] marching order to uplift our teachers and learners has been our mission at the Department. As he signs this bill into law, the DepEd family can now look forward to our communities supported and shepherded by qualified mental health professionals,” Angara said in a statement. —KG/AOL/RF, GMA Integrated News