President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law a measure seeking to institutionalize the promotion of mental health in basic education to significantly enhance government efforts in addressing the “alarming” mental health concerns among the youth.

In a ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, to allow schools to become “sanctuaries of learning and of well-being.”

The law, according to the President, mandates the establishment and implementation of mental health and well-being programs for both basic education learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.

This is to ensure that students and teachers are emotionally and mentally “equipped to excel” amid facing modern challenges.

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

Beyond being a safeguard to our youth and school personnel, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,” he added.

Marcos said Philippine statistics on mental health concerns are “alarming,” noting 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.

With the enactment of the new law, care centers will be established in every public basic education school, headed by a school counselor and assisted by school counselor associates that will provide counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs that will help reduce stigma on mental health.

Upholds learners’ welfare

Education Secretary Sonny Angara thanked President Marcos for upholding learners’ welfare, and advancing a healthier nation as a whole.

“Our sincerest thanks go to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for keeping education at the top of his administration’s agenda. His marching order to uplift our teachers and learners has been our mission at the Department,” he said in a statement.

“With this new law, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that our learners are equipped with the socio-emotional skills and support to navigate the challenges of modern life. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, we are investing in a healthier, brighter Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),” Angara said. (PNA)