THE DEPARTMENT of Education is intensifying efforts to enhance mental well-being in schools, aligning with the newly signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

The law mandates comprehensive mental health programs across basic education institutions to promote awareness, prevention, and proactive support for student well-being.

In its Year 2 Report, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) cited the 2018 PISA results, which labeled the Philippines as the “bullying capital of the world.”

RA 12080 requires the establishment of school-based mental health programs, including mental health screenings, crisis interventions, and referrals, with a special focus on suicide prevention.

As part of this national strategy, each public school will establish a Care Center to provide essential mental health services, including counseling and monitoring. Moreover, a Mental Health and Well-Being Office will be implemented in every Schools Division Office to oversee the effective administration of these initiatives.

Recognizing the urgency of addressing these issues, EDCOM 2 has actively advocated for improvements to ensure students thrive in a safe home and school environment.

Alongside the Mental Well-being Promotion Act, EDCOM 2 is pushing for significant revisions to the IRR of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. EDCOM 2 and DepEd are collaborating to ensure these amendments are in place by the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to strengthen student protections, standardize policy applications across schools, and ensure proper monitoring and resolution of cases.

“Improving the performance of our learners should go hand in hand with upholding their safety and well-being. By implementing the school-based mental health program, we can make our schools safer and our learners more resilient, especially in times of crises,” EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said.