By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has proposed several measures to address mental health issues, including enlisting overseas Filipinos and mental health professionals to share their expertise.
Marcos highlighted the urgency of the issue, recalling her personal experience that underscored the need for immediate action.
“During my time as governor, over a dozen teenage suicides were reported within a six-month period. We must recognize mental health as a critical aspect of well-being and address it with the seriousness it deserves, moving beyond the stigma,” she stated.
The senator also recommended empowering psychiatric nurses to take on a more significant role in treating mental health patients. She further proposed workshops for Sangguniang Kabataan and other youth groups to encourage peer-to-peer counseling.
Additionally, Marcos suggested that the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offer subsidies to teachers interested in pursuing guidance counseling, aiming to boost the number of qualified professionals in the field.
Currently, data from the Philippine Psychiatric Association reveals there are only 651 psychiatrists, 516 psychiatric nurses, and 133 psychologists serving the entire country.
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