HB10327: BASIC EDUCATION MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING PROMOTION ACT
This bill, also known as the "Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act," aims to strengthen mental health services in basic education by mandating the hiring and deployment of mental health professionals. Its purpose is to address the mental, emotional, and developmental needs of learners, as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel, ensuring the availability of mental health support, especially for vulnerable students like children in conflict with law, students at risk of dropping out, and victims of abuse. This act is crucial for fostering a supportive and healthy learning environment, which can significantly enhance students' classroom and learning preparedness and overall well-being.
The proposed legislation includes establishing a Mental Health and Well-being Office in every school division, headed by a qualified mental health professional, and outlines a plan for the hiring and deployment of mental health professionals in public elementary and secondary schools, vocational institutions, and DepEd offices within five years. Until sufficient professionals are available, trained guidance teachers will provide services under supervision, receiving additional compensation. This systematic approach to integrating mental health support into the basic education system is a vital step towards destigmatizing mental health issues, providing early intervention, and creating an inclusive, safe, and motivating learning environment for all Filipino students and staff.