Strengthening mental health awareness
In previous Senate committee hearings, we raised that there were only about 4,069 licensed guidance counselors nationwide as of 2022.
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In previous Senate committee hearings, we raised that there were only about 4,069 licensed guidance counselors nationwide as of 2022.
Mental health is as important as our physical health. As we observe National Suicide Prevention Month this September, let us once again remind ourselves that mental health must remain a priority in our efforts to protect the well-being of every Filipino.
As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, we must do more to understand mental health concerns and ensure that people have access to the support they need. The previous cases of school shootings and harassment in Tacloban City, Manila, Davao de Oro and, most recently, Zamboanga City have caused tremendous fear among students, faculty, staff, parents and the community. Beyond the immediate danger, these incidents can leave lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of entire school communities.
Mental health problems are real, and they require real and immediate action. Because of this, we have consistently pushed for more legislation and programs to support mental health awareness in our country.
During the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, he signed into law Republic Act 11036, the Philippine Mental Health Act. The law establishes a national mental health policy directed toward improving the health of the population. Specifically, it aims to provide mental health services at the barangay level and integrate mental health and wellness programs at the grassroots level so that interventions will be felt by communities. It also seeks to improve mental health facilities and promote mental health education in schools and workplaces. We continue to push for the full and effective implementation of our existing laws.
Furthermore, as a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, we also supported Republic Act 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, as co-author and co-sponsor of the measure, which institutionalizes mental health programs in schools. This is an important step toward ensuring that our schools are not only places for academic learning but also safe environments where students can seek help when they are struggling.
In previous Senate committee hearings, we raised that there were only about 4,069 licensed guidance counselors nationwide as of 2022. The country would need around 47,000 guidance counselors to meet the ideal ratio. It was also reported during the previous Senate Health Committee hearing on 1 July that there were 50 child psychiatrists in the Philippines. We really have a crisis in terms of our supply of mental health professionals.
That is why I have supported the immediate hiring of school counselor associates. I also filed Senate Bill 176, which seeks to establish mental health offices in all public higher education institutions nationwide. The measure aims to provide students with accessible counseling services, trained mental health professionals and 24/7 mental health hotlines. We need to strengthen our support systems in schools and make sure that students have someone they can turn to.
But given the crisis in our supply of mental health professionals, we urge the government to immediately implement the hiring of school counselor associates, which was funded in the 2026 budget.
As Mr. Malasakit, I will work to the best of my ability to bring necessary support and significant medical services closer to the Filipino people.
Meanwhile, on 10 September, we personally went to Pasay City to aid 29 fire victims in coordination with Mayor Emi Calixto and Barangay Captain Virgilio Mabag. There, we also supported local vendors selling kwek-kwek, turon, banana cue and carioca. As I always remind our fellow kababayans: tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin!
On 11 September, we also attended the inauguration and turnover of a Super Health Center in Maramag, Bukidnon, with Mayor Atty. Jose Doromal and other local officials. We also provided assistance to the barangay health workers.
On 12 September, we went to my hometown in Lupon to attend the blessing of the gym’s new bleachers, basketball ring and shot clock. Afterward, we headed to Mati City to aid 600 indigent residents from various sectors, such as persons with disabilities, farmers and the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, we also graced the Mati City Basketball League Inter-Barangay 2026 with Councilor Paolo Rabat as the founder.
After our long day in Davao Oriental, we then went back to Davao City to join the Davao Sportswriters Association Inc.’s Davao Sports Heroes Night, recognizing rising stars in our desire to develop and strengthen grassroots sports development.
