Go pushes for amplified mental health efforts

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed in an interview on Tuesday, 17 October the critical need for mental health interventions and sufficient budgetary allocations for related programs given the challenges faced by Filipinos in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"According to the World Health Organization, 16 percent of Filipino children had mental disorders… about 404 learners from public schools committed suicide in 2021, and 2,147 learners attempted suicide," Go said in response to questions regarding the significance of providing substantial mental health interventions to Filipinos.

The senator expressed his concern over the reduction in the proposed mental health budget from P1.9 billion in the 2023 General Appropriations Act to only a proposed P683 million for the following year which he hopes the Senate will be able to increase once they start plenary deliberations on the 2024 budget.

Go, the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, also highlighted the approval of this legislation to bring specialty services including mental health to communities. Signed into law by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on 24 August, this Act signifies a significant step towards upgrading the nation's health system.

It mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DoH regional hospitals, covering various medical fields like mental health, cancer, and heart centers, thereby catering to the diversified healthcare needs of the citizenry.

The senator has been pushing for the passage of his proposed Senate Bill 1786, aimed at mandating public higher education institutions to establish Mental Health Offices on the campuses. He accentuated the urgency of addressing mental health issues among young learners.

If enacted into law, SB 1786 proposes Mental Health Offices to set up campus hotlines with dedicated and trained guidance counselors to provide assistance to the whole HEI community, especially the students. The bill also states that special attention shall be given to those identified as having mental health problems or conditions, especially those at risk of committing suicide.

Moroever, if approved, the Commission on Higher Education and the public HEIs, through their Mental Health Offices, shall then initiate and sustain a heightened campaign to raise the collective consciousness about mental health.