Senator Win Gatchalian is advocating for the successful implementation of the School-Based Mental Health Program following the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080).

The law mandates that all public and private schools develop a School-Based Mental Health Program to support the mental well-being of learners. The program will include services like screening, evaluation, mental health first aid, crisis response, awareness programs, and emotional support, as well as services for those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

“Improving education quality should go hand in hand with safeguarding the safety and well-being of our students. By ensuring that support services are readily available, learners won’t have to suffer in silence during mental health crises,” said Gatchalian, the principal author and sponsor of the law.

The program will focus on mental health awareness and the prevention of suicide, with a system to manage students’ mental health issues. It will also define stakeholders’ roles in prevention, intervention, and recovery efforts.

Each public school will have a Care Center led by a registered guidance counselor or psychologist, responsible for providing school-based mental health services. The Schools Division Offices (SDO) will also establish Mental Health and Well-Being Offices to address mental health concerns for both learners and DepEd personnel.

To address the shortage of guidance counselors, the law creates new positions for School Counselor Associates, who must have a degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology to assist in delivering these services.