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Student Mental Health Bill

The proposed 'Student Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2025' aims to strengthen mental health programs in public senior high schools and universities in the Philippines. It mandates the establishment of Mental Health Units, wellness programs, accessible counseling services, and a crisis intervention hotline to address mental health issues among students. Funding for the implementation will come from the annual appropriations of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, alongside support from the Department of Health.

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25 views3 pages

Student Mental Health Bill

The proposed 'Student Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2025' aims to strengthen mental health programs in public senior high schools and universities in the Philippines. It mandates the establishment of Mental Health Units, wellness programs, accessible counseling services, and a crisis intervention hotline to address mental health issues among students. Funding for the implementation will come from the annual appropriations of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, alongside support from the Department of Health.

Uploaded by

cruzcarry27
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

____ Congress

____ Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _____


Introduced by: _____________________

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Section 1. Title.
This Act shall be known as the “Student Mental Health and Wellness
Act of 2025.”

Section 2. Purpose.
The purpose of this Act is to:

1. Address the growing concern of mental health issues among Filipino


youth.

2. Provide accessible and sustainable mental health support in public


schools and universities.

3. Promote awareness, resilience, and wellness to improve academic


performance and overall well-being.

Section 3. Provisions.
1. School-Based Mental Health Units. Every public senior high school
and state university shall establish a Mental Health Unit (MHU) staffed
with at least one licensed guidance counselor and a mental health
professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatric nurse).

2. Mandatory Wellness Programs. Schools shall conduct quarterly


wellness programs such as stress management seminars, peer support
groups, and anti-bullying campaigns.

3. Accessible Counseling Services. Free and confidential counseling


sessions shall be made available to all students during school hours.

4. Crisis Intervention Hotline. The Department of Education (DepEd)


and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in partnership with DOH,
shall establish a 24/7 hotline dedicated to student mental health
emergencies.

5. Funding. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act


shall be charged against the annual appropriations of DepEd and
CHED, with additional support from the Department of Health.

Section 4. Justification.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines
ranks high in reported cases of depression and anxiety among young
people, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among
individuals aged 15–29. A 2015 National Youth Commission (NYC)
survey revealed that 16–17% of Filipino students have considered
suicide due to academic stress, bullying, and family issues.

By institutionalizing school-based mental health programs, the


government will provide early intervention, reduce stigma, and
promote academic and personal success among students. This
investment ensures healthier, more resilient youth who can contribute
positively to national development.

Section 5. Effectivity.
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,
_______________________

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