THE HOUSE Committees on Basic Education and Culture and Appropriations approved a measure that promotes and delivers mental health services in Basic Education.

House Bill 10327 or the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act mandates the hiring and deployment of mental health professionals in Basic Education Institutions.

It aims to adequately address the mental, emotional and development needs of learners as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel by making available the services of mental health professionals.

Under the bill, the Department of Edcuation will recruit, hire and train addtional mental health professionals and sustain their competencies, professional growth and career development.

The measure also aims to support teachers and other education personnel in improving classroom management through the conduct of behavior and other guidance related interventions to improve learners’ well-being, emotional and psycho-social development, daily disposition and career decision making capability.

Also, this will support parents, guardians and concerned stakeholders in enhancing the academic performance of their children.

The bill mandates the establishment of a Mental Health and Well-being Office in every schools division.

The DepEd shall provide funds for the hiring and deployment of mental health professionals.