THE COMMISSION on Human Rights on Thursday expressed support on the passage of a bill in the Senate seeking to establish mental health offices in state universities and colleges.

CHR chair Richard Palpal-latoc stressed that the bill reinforces the implementation of Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act, and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights of the United Nations, which asserts that every individual has the basic right to attain the highest standard of mental health.

“The establishment of mental health offices in SUCs is a vital step towards ensuring the mental well-being of students, faculty, and staff, thereby contributing to a healthier and more productive educational environment,” Palpal-latoc said.

Senate Bill 2598, also known as the SUCs Mental Health Services Act, mandates SUCs to provide comprehensive mental health services.

The bill also seeks to hire and train mental health professionals to ensure that interventions and treatments are provided by qualified individuals.

Also included is the establishment of a 24/7 campus hotline, the initiation of mental health awareness campaigns, the development of a rapid-response system for suicide and other critical situations, and integration of mental health services into the educational framework, according to the same statement.

The CHR called on both the Senate and the House of Representatives to collaborate and expedite the passage of this crucial legislation to better support the youth and foster a culture of mental health awareness and support.

A report from the Philippine Mental Health Association Inc. and the World Health Organization shows the rising cases of mental health concerns in the Philippines. It is becoming a silent epidemic, affecting nearly 73 percent of Filipino Gen Zs—13-26 years old.