SENATOR Manuel “Lito” Lapid has filed a bill that aims to ramp up the promotion and delivery of mental health services amid rising cases of mental health issues among learners and school personnel.

Senate Bill 1795 seeks to put up Mental Health and Well-being Offices in every schools division to address the mental, emotional, and developmental needs of learners and personnel of the Department of Education.

“Nakakabahala itong pagtaas ng kaso ng anxiety, stress at depression hindi lang sa ating mga mag-aaral, kundi pati na rin sa ating mga teaching and non-teaching personnels,” Lapid said.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of mental health decline, citing the stabbing of a high school student by his classmate in Quezon City and the case of a student who jumped off a building to his death.

“Hindi natin gusto na magkaroon pa ng mga ganitong kaso sa hinaharap. Kaya sa panukalang ating inihain, binibigyang-diin natin ang kahalagahan ng pagbibigay-prayoridad sa kalusugan ng isip ng mga mag-aaral,” the senator said.

The Department of Health estimated that at least 3.6 million Filipinos faces mental health issues during the pandemic.

“Nakakalungkot na hindi pa rin gaano kinikilala ang bigat ng usapin pagdating sa mental health at ang katotohanan na ang mahinang kalusugan ng isip ay maaaring makagambala sa kakayahan ng isang tao na mag-isip ng malinaw at makapag desisyon ng maayos,” Lapid said.

Under SB 1795, DepEd shall also provide sufficient resources for mental health programs and projects designed to maintain and address the mental health and well-being of learners and personnel.

“Mental health promotion or early intervention in young people is an investment for the future,” Lapid said.