Marcos signs law to institutionalize mental health programs in schools

FILE PHOTO: A public school teacher and her students during a classroom exercise. – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approves a measure that would promote mental health and well-being in basic education through the institution of school-based mental health programs. In a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, December 9, 2024, Marcos enacted Republic Act No. 12080, or the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.” INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a measure that would promote mental health and well-being in basic education through the institution of school-based mental health programs.

In a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, Marcos enacted Republic Act No. 12080, or the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.”

The new law aims to enhance mental health initiatives in schools by mandating mental health programs in all public and private schools.

READ: Senate OKs school-based mental health program bill

It also allows the creation of new school counselor positions, Care Centers in schools for mental health services, and a Mental Health and Well-Being Office in each school division that would oversee the law’s implementation.

READ: Preventing a mental health crisis

Previously, Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed that the law would further strengthen Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act.