THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved a measure that will strengthen the promotion and delivery of mental health services in Basic Education.

House Bill 6574 or the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Act hurdled third and final reading with 272 affirmative votes.

The bill will allow the Department of Education to recruit, train and hire additional mental health professionals.

This will promote the emotional, psychological, and mental health well-being of learners and teachers to enhance their learning preparedness

The program will cover learner-children in conflict with the law, students at risk of dropping out, learner-victims of violence against women and children, and victims of other related forms of child abuse and criminal acts.

Under the measure, a Mental Health and Well-being Office will be established in every school’s division level.

The DepEd will establish mechanisms to maximize existing mental health services offered by other government agencies.