MANILA, Philippines- Isinulong ng mga senador nitong Miyerkules ang implementasyon ng mental health law at therapy session packages sa pagdami ng mga estudyante na nagpapatiwakal.
Inihayag ng Department of Education (DepEd) na 404 estudyante sa bansa ang nagpakamatay, habang 2,147 ang nagtangkang mag-suicide sa Academic Year 2021-2022.
Sa hiwalay na pahayag, inirekomenda nina Senators JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Sonny Angara, at Grace Poe ang pagpigil sa tumataas na suicide cases sa mga mag-aaral.
“Hoping that the mental health law’s implementation, which I principally sponsored, will be prioritized this time that is very much needed,” ani Ejercito.
Samantala, si Hontiveros ay “heartbroken at the staggering numbers.”
“The mental health crisis is a continuing concern among our students and has been escalating because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DepEd and the DOH (Department of Health) should proactively implement the provisions of the Mental Health Law. Since the law’s passage in 2018, we have been calling on various government agencies to accelerate the integration of mental health and care services in our educational systems and institutions,” pahayag niya.
“DepEd should address the shortage in mental health personnel by hiring more guidance counselors and allowing existing guidance counselors to have bigger catchment areas where their care is needed the most,” dagdag ng senador.
Ayon kay Angara, binubusisi niya ang panukala kung saan tutulungan ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ang distressed learners.
“We are pushing for a measure, which would have PhilHealth packages cover therapy sessions and other mental health needs. This would help curb the increasing numbers of young people taking their lives,” sabi niya,
Para naman kau Poe, ang student suicide cases “confront us with an unsettling reality that needs a holistic response.”
“Educational institutions should develop and strengthen their own programs on providing regular counseling to students and teaching and non-teaching personnel,” giit ni Poe.
“We trust that the DepEd will fortify partnerships with reputable associations for mental health and psychosocial support programs in schools. Mental health issues should no longer be stigmatized,” patuloy niya.
Sa ilalim ng 2023 national budget, naglaan ang pamahalaan ng halos P4 bilyon para sa mental health. RNT/SA
