THE GOVERNMENT will provide mental health support for students affected by the recent strong earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, including Sarangani and General Santos City.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological impact of the disaster on young learners, noting that many children may be silently dealing with trauma brought about by the quake.

“Pati ‘yung kausap ko ‘yung mga teacher, at sinabi ko sa kanila, alalahanin nila na traumatizing itong experience para sa mga estudyante, para sa mga bata,” Marcos said.

He said the Department of Health (DOH) already has programs in place to help students cope and recover emotionally from such experiences.

“So, bantayan din nila. We have a program sa DOH na tutulong sa mental health ng mga bata na dumaan sa ganitong klaseng experience,” the President added.

Marcos also urged teachers and school personnel to closely monitor students who may be showing signs of emotional distress, stressing that children do not always openly express what they are going through.

“Kasi minsan hindi nagsasabi ‘yung bata. Kailangan, sabi ko, bantayan ninyo nang mabuti. ‘Pag may nakita kayo na nangangailangan ng tulong, puwede naman kami na tumulong sa DOH,” he said.

To further strengthen school-based support systems, Marcos said teachers will undergo specialized training to help them identify and assist students experiencing trauma and stress.