EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara led the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12080, also known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Law.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Congressman Roman Romulo, EDCOM II Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, Professional Regulation Commission Chairperson Charito Zamora, and Civil Service Commission Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap also attended the signing ceremony.

Angara praised the creation of the law, stating, “To all mental health advocates, nagpapasalamat ho kami sa pagpapatupad ng batas na ito. It really places a premium on the learning environment.”

According to DepEd, this marks a significant step in enhancing mental health support in schools, empowering educators, and promoting the well-being of Filipino learners.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed RA 12080 in December 2024.

The law aims to strengthen mental health initiatives in schools by mandating the implementation of mental health programs in all public and private educational institutions.