PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the ‘Basic Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act’ (R.A. No. 12080) into law on December 9, 2024, during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace.
This new law aims to strengthen mental health programs in schools by introducing comprehensive initiatives in all public and private basic education institutions.
Its objectives include raising mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the establishment of school-based Care Centers for mental health services.
Additionally, the law mandates the creation of a Mental Health and Well-Being Office in every school division to oversee its implementation.
The program will also extend its reach to out-of-school children in special circumstances.
The law provides for the creation of additional plantilla positions for school counselors, ensuring that schools have the necessary personnel to implement mental health initiatives effectively.
Key objectives of the program include promoting mental health awareness, addressing mental health concerns, and bolstering suicide prevention efforts within academic settings.
To support these efforts, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will work with the Department of Education (DepEd) to establish new school counselor positions.
The DBM, DepEd, and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) will also collaborate to facilitate the creation of these roles.