More school-based mental health professionals eyed

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said he is eyeing more mental health specialists in schools. 

Gatchalian is advancing  Senate Bill 2200 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to establish a school-based mental health program.

The bill includes a care center in every public basic education institution. 

“Ang importante dito ay dumami iyong mga mental health practitioners sa ating paaralan – iyon ang pinakamahalaga eh. Alam natin may shortage ngayon pero ang layunin ng batas iyong mga taong puwedeng makatulong pagdating sa mental health,” said Gatchalian. 

READ: Gatchalian: Gov’t must address ‘mental health pandemic’ now

(What is important here is there are more mental health practitioners in schools — that is what matters. We know that there is a shortage now but the goal of the law is to help when it comes to mental health.) 

READ: Mental Health Day: The need to defuse a ticking time bomb for millions

Gatchalian admitted that the bill would not be implemented immediately should it become a law, but said at least there would be something to work on.

“Ito iyong ating direksiyon. Aminado ako na kakailanganin ng malaking pondo at hindi mai-implement iyan overnight pero ang importante ay mayroon na tayong direksiyon kung saan pupunta,” said Gatchalian. 

(This is the direction. It needs a large budget and it will not be implemented right away but what is important is we are working on a direction.)