New Law Boosts Mental Health Support in Schools

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, on Dec. 9, marking a significant step in addressing mental health issues among Filipino students and school personnel.

The law mandates the establishment of school-based mental health programs across public and private basic education institutions to enhance awareness, prevention, and support. Programs will include mental health screenings, crisis responses, and suicide prevention measures.

“Seventeen percent of our young people have contemplated taking their lives, yet less than one percent sought professional help,” said President Marcos during the signing ceremony. “This law aims to bridge that gap by embedding mental health services directly into our schools—our nation’s first line of defense against mental health issues.”

A cornerstone of the law is the creation of Care Centers in all public schools. These centers will provide counseling, stress management workshops, and stigma-reduction initiatives, headed by school counselors and supported by counselor associates. Each Schools Division Office will also house a Mental Health and Well-Being Office to ensure effective implementation.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) highlighted a pressing shortage of mental health professionals in schools, with one guidance counselor often responsible for thousands of students. As of August 2024, 4,486 guidance counselor positions in public schools remain vacant.

“These statistics demonstrate an urgent need to prioritize mental health and bullying prevention measures,” said Senator Win Gatchalian, a co-author of the law and EDCOM 2 co-chairperson. “This law seeks to address gaps in the education system’s ability to support student mental health.”

In addition to addressing mental health, the law seeks to bolster anti-bullying initiatives. Despite the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, over 10,000 public schools still lack localized anti-bullying policies. The Philippines recorded the highest rates of bullying among students in the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), with 65% of students reporting bullying incidents.

Representative Roman Romulo, also an EDCOM 2 co-chairperson and co-author of the measure, stressed the importance of the law’s implementation. “The enactment of this law will support the well-being as well as the academic success of Filipino learners,” he said. “However, the real work begins with ensuring that this law is implemented effectively.”

The law includes the creation of new plantilla positions for School Counselors, Counselor Associates, and Schools Division Counselors, with competitive salaries and career progression plans. These roles aim to address the severe lack of mental health professionals in schools.

“This new law addresses the growing mental health challenges faced by our learners and emphasizes their holistic development,” said Senator Joel Villanueva, another co-author of the legislation.

RA 12080 also establishes a School-Based Mental Health Program, incorporating mental health screenings, evaluations, and ongoing monitoring to ensure comprehensive support for students.

President Marcos underscored the economic implications of mental health issues, citing a potential $16 trillion in global losses by 2030 if these challenges remain unaddressed.

“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes,” the President said.

The law’s enactment signals a proactive approach to the mental well-being of Filipino students, aiming to create a safer and more supportive educational environment nationwide. (NOHS photo)