By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has confirmed the allocation of a total of P210 million for mental health programs and advocacies under the Department of Education (DepEd) in the 2024 national budget.
“It is crucial for us to focus on strengthening and effectively implementing the programs in our schools for mental health. Therefore, we ensure that under the 2024 budget, funds will be earmarked for DepEd’s mental health programs to support our students,” stated Gatchalian.
Originally proposing P160 million, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education aimed to address the mental health crisis affecting the nation’s schools. According to DepEd data, between School Year (SY) 2017-2018 and SY 2022-2023, 1,686 learners died by suicide, with 7,892 learners attempting suicide.
International large-scale assessments have highlighted the high prevalence of bullying in the country’s schools.
Gatchalian has been a proponent of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Senate Bill No. 2200) to institutionalize the School-Based Mental Health Program.
(IAmigo/MNM)
