SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday launched a nationwide mental health caravan to support students facing mental and emotional challenges, stressing that no learner should suffer in silence.

“Nais nating ipaalala sa ating mga mag-aaral na kung may pinagdaraanan man sila sa kanilang mental health, hindi nila kailangang pasanin ito nang mag-isa. Maaari silang humingi ng tulong at may magagawa sila upang malagpasan ang mga hinaharap na pagsubok,” Gatchalian said during the campaign kickoff.

The initiative, titled Tara, Usap! G?, aims to raise mental health awareness in schools and support the implementation of the recently enacted Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which Gatchalian authored and sponsored.

In partnership with the Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response, PETA Lingap Sining, and the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, the caravan uses a forum theatre approach to encourage open dialogue among students on mental health concerns.

The Philippine Educational Theatre Association staged a special performance depicting the everyday mental health struggles of learners, particularly in relation to safety and well-being.

“Mayroon na rin tayong batas upang itaguyod ang mental health. Ngunit makakamit lang natin ang layuning matulungan ang mga mag-aaral kung sama-sama tayong magtutulungan,” the senator added.

RA 12080 mandates the creation of School-Based Mental Health Programs and the establishment of Care Centers in public schools nationwide to ensure that psychological support is accessible to those who need it.

With Tara, Usap! G? set to visit various regions, the program seeks to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues among Filipino youth and foster a supportive environment within the education system.