MANILA, Philippines – NILAGDAAN ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., araw ng Lunes, Disyembre 9 ang batas na “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act”.
Layon ng batas na gawing institutional ang mental health at well-being programs kapuwa para sa basic education learners at teaching and non-teaching personnel sa pampubliko at pribadong eskuwelahan.
Ito’y upang tiyakin na ang mga estudyante at guro ay ’emotionally and mentally equipped to excel” sa gitna ng kinakaharap na modernong mga hamon.
“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but thrive holistically. Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and with purpose,” ang bahagi ng talumpati ni Pangulong Marcos sa ceremonial signing sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang.
“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes. Beyond being a safeguard to our youth and school personnel, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,” aniya pa rin.
Pinahihintulutan din ng batas ang mga eskuwelahan na maging “sanctuaries of learning and of well-being.”
Itatatag naman ang Care Centers sa bawat public basic education school, na pamumunuan ng School Counselor, at tutulungan ng School Counselor Associates na magbigay ng counseling at stress management workshops at magpapatupad ng mga programa na makatutulong na mabawasan ang stigma sa mental health.
Tinawag din ng Pangulo ang batas bilang ‘urgent at undeniable’. tinukoy kung paano ang mental health challenges ay ‘could cost 16 trillion in losses by 2030 globally.’
“Locally, the toll is evident in decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel,” ang winika ng Pangulo sabay sabing ang papel ng batas ay bawasan ang nasabing losses sa pamamagitan ng gawing mas produktibo ang mga estudyante at handa na makapag-ambag sa nation building.
Sa nabanggit pa ring event tinintahan ng Pangulo ang Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists at Amendments to Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA).
At bago pa matapos ang kanyang talumpati, nanawagan ang Pangulo sa mga Filipino na suportahan at isulong ang tatlong inisyatiba.
“Let us safeguard and empower our farmers, uplift our tourism industry, and provide mental health support. Together, let us create a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to succeed, to live a balanced life, to contribute to the collective prosperity of the nation,” ang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos.
“These three laws are not just policies— they are commitments. Commitments to the Filipino farmer, commitment to the Filipino worker, the Filipino entrepreneur, the Filipino learner, and to every single citizen who dreams of a brighter, more resilient, and more progressive Bagong Pilipinas,” aniya pa rin. Kris Jose
