THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading measure seeking to strengthen the mental health services of state universities and colleges.

Deputy Speaker and Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab said that 227 lawmakers voted “yes” to House Bill 6416.

Section 4 of the measure tasks the Commission on Higher Education to require all SUCs to establish a Mental Health Office in all their campuses, subject to the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Budget and Management and the policies, standards and guidelines of the CHED.

The MHOs shall set up campus hotlines with dedicated and trained guidance counselors to provide assistance to the whole SUC Community, especially the students.

Special attention shall be given to those identified to have mental health problems or conditions, especially those at risk of committing suicide.

The CHED and the SUCs, through their MHOs, shall initiate and sustain a heightened campaign to raise the collective consciousness about mental health.

The awareness campaign shall give special emphasis to the issues of suicide prevention, stress handling, mental health and nutrition, and guidance and counseling.