SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday sponsored a measure that seeks to promote mental health and well-being in basic education by institutionalizing a school-based mental health program.

Citing data, Gatchalian said that 400 learners committed suicide in a single school year.

“We cannot continue to allow our learners to suffer in silence. It is now up to us to create a world where mental health is valued, where those who are struggling are not judged or dismissed but embraced with understanding and care,” the senator said.

He added that there is a need to institutionalize Mental Health Program to increase awareness among young people that seeking help from mental health specialists and associates is always an available option within their learning community.

The program will provide mental health services, emotional, developmental and preventive programs, and other support services to ensure the social and emotional well-being of basic education learners as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel.

Gatchalian also wants parents to have formal involvement in the DepEd’s existing mental health programs.