President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law a measure seeking to institutionalize government efforts against “alarming” mental health concerns among learners.

Marcos officially approved the legislation of Republic Act (RA) 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, during a ceremonial signing in Malacañang Palace.

“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but thrive holistically. Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and with purpose,” Marcos said in his speech.

He noted that the law allows schools to become “sanctuaries of learning and well-being.”

RA 12080 targets the establishment of mental health and well-being programs for basic education learners, teaching personnel, and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.

Marcos said the law also serves as an investment in the nation’s “intellectual, emotional, and social future and development.”

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

The President lamented that the country’s statistics on mental health concerns are “alarming,” stressing that 17 percent of young people have “contemplated taking their life, yet less than 1 percent sought professional help.”

“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,” he said.

He also cited that mental health challenges could cost 16 trillion in losses globally by 2030.

Marcos noted the legislation as “urgent” and emphasized that it should be imposed immediately to encourage students to be “more productive and ready to contribute to nation-building efforts.”

“Locally, the toll is evident in decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel,” he lamented.

Under the newly enacted law, Care Centers will be established in every public basic education school, to be headed by a School Counselor.

The School Counselor Associates will assist in counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs “to help reduce stigma on mental health” in academic institutions.

The law is seen as ensuring that students and teachers are emotionally and mentally “equipped to excel” in facing contemporary challenges.