Mental health centers, breaks sought

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MANILA, Philippines — As official health data show that 17 million Filipinos have or have had major depressive disorders, lawmakers at the House of Representatives are batting for measures aimed at preserving the mental wellness of Filipinos, citing its increasing relevance amid a growing number of distress-causing concerns.

Northern Samar Rep. Harris Christopher Ongchuan is pushing for the setup of mental health centers in every province and region while Ang Probinsyano partylist Rep. Alfred de los Santos is seeking the grant of five-day mental wellness leaves for employees in private firms.

House Bills (HB) No. 3424 and 3582, or the proposed Mental Health Center Establishment Acts, have been referred to the committee on health while HB 1926, or the proposed Mental Health Leave Act, has been referred to the committee on labor and employment.

“In the Philippines, mental health is becoming an issue of relevance in society. A lot of organizations and groups are prioritizing making mental health services available and affordable,” Ongchuan said in explaining the need for HB 3424 and HB 3582.

“Acknowledging that mental health and wellbeing should be promoted, (the proposed measures) aim to build centers that would be accessible to every Filipino,” he pointed out, adding that the measures would affirm that “part of the health care priority of the government is also to promote better mental health.”

Under the proposed measures, the Department of Health would be tasked to establish centers in the different provinces and regions to make mental health services readily available for all Filipinos.

Meanwhile, in HB 1926, Delos Santos pointed out that “in a world where everything is fast-paced, it can sometimes be hard to keep up. Pressure coming from the workplace, family, society, personal life, and even social media keep on piling up. Thus, it is not surprising that the mental health and wellness of working Filipinos is steadily declining.”

“The rise of mental health disorders is even exacerbated by either the lack of access to professional help or the stigma that still exists in society against those who seek help for their mental health issues,” he said.

Delos Santos’ proposed law would grant employees in the private sector a leave of five days every year which workers could use to “go to a mental health professional or even just to take a break from the stressors of daily life.”

HB 1926 would also require employers to come up with programs to ensure their workers’ mental well-being. “It is hoped that through this legislation, we can contribute in raising better mental health awareness and in creating more accepting workspaces where every person can thrive mentally and emotionally,” he concluded.

Delos Santos’ proposed measure provides a penal clause, which includes jail time of up to six months and a fine of up to P100,000, for employers who refuse to grant the five-day mental health leaves to their workers.

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