THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila launched a nationwide mental health literacy program that seeks to transform how colleges and universities support students, shifting the focus from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.

In a news release Friday, CHED said the initiative, known as “Sulong Institusyon sa Napapanahong Aksyon at Ginhawa” (Project SINAG) aims to train 724 campus leaders from 181 state universities and colleges and local universities and colleges to recognize mental health concerns, provide appropriate support, and establish referral systems within their institutions.

Each participating school will send a four-member team that will undergo a 12-month online training program designed to embed mental health support into campus policies, classrooms and student services.

CHED said the program comes amid growing concern over the mental well-being of young Filipinos.

UP Manila chancellor Michael Tee noted that while science, research and evidence-based knowledge are important, spiritual and cultural values are also essential to support people, especially students.

“Science alone is not enough. As Filipinos, our well-being is deeply tied to our spiritual life. True literacy requires us to nurture the spirit, to build communities anchored in deep empathy, a sense of purpose, and the profound truth that every single person has inherent worth,” he said.

“We must cultivate a campus environment where the spirit is fed, not broken by relentless pressure,” he added.

UP president Angelo Jimenez acknowledged the efforts by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis for pushing institutions to confront issues that used to be taboo, demanding schools to prioritize “the inner lives of our students.”

Data from the 2024 National Survey on Mental Health and Well-Being showed that adults aged 18 to 34 are up to three times more likely to develop major depressive disorders than older age groups.

Unlike conventional mental health programs that are often activated only during emergencies, CHED said Project SINAG seeks to build a culture of mental health awareness across campuses by training key decision-makers, faculty members, counselors, and students, creating institutions that are capable of recognizing concerns early, supporting students consistently, and ensuring that help is available before problems worsen.

Under the program, administrators will oversee policy development and resource allocation, faculty members will promote psychologically safe learning environments, mental health focal persons will coordinate interventions and referrals, while student leaders will lead peer-support and anti-stigma efforts.

A core part of the initiative is the Integrated Layered Referral System, which categorizes student concerns according to the level of support required.

“Many students experience stress, adjustment difficulties, loneliness, academic pressure, or family concerns that may not require specialized care. At this level, trained faculty, peer supporters, student leaders, guidance personnel, and student affairs staff may provide basic emotional support, active listening, validation, and practical guidance,” Evangeline Bascara dela Fuente, chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital, said.

She emphasized that students are not confined to a single category and may move between levels, depending on their needs.

“Students do not remain fixed at one level. They may step up if risk increases or functioning worsens. They may also step down after stabilization, returning to academic and community support with appropriate follow-up. An integrated layered referral system, therefore, creates a continuum: From promotion and prevention, to early support, to focused intervention, to specialized care,” she said.

CHED said the program is anchored on the Biopsychosocial Spiritual framework promoted by the Philippine Council for Mental Health, which recognizes that mental health is influenced not only by biological factors but also by social conditions, personal experiences, culture and spirituality. (PNA)