MANILA, 09 December 2024 — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, a landmark measure aimed at strengthening mental health programs in schools and creating new plantilla positions for school counselors.

“When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes,” President Marcos Jr. said.

The new law mandates the establishment of a comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Program for all public and private basic education institutions, including provisions for out-of-school children in special cases. This initiative seeks to promote mental health awareness, address mental health concerns, and enhance suicide prevention efforts in schools.

Among the key provisions of the law is the institutionalization of school-based mental health services. These services will include the screening, evaluation, and monitoring of students’ mental well-being, as well as mental health first aid, crisis response, and referral systems.

To support these initiatives, the Department of Education (DepEd) is tasked with establishing Care Centers in all public schools and ensuring their existence and maintenance in private schools. By converting and renaming existing guidance and counseling offices, these Care Centers will serve as hubs for mental health services, ensuring that learners have access to tailored support systems.

The law also requires the creation of a Mental Health and Well-Being Office in every school division office. These offices will provide the framework for school-based mental health programs, review and approve their implementation, and conduct regular visits to ensure effectiveness. They will also be responsible for training personnel to deliver mental health services to learners.

In line with these efforts, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in consultation with DepEd and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), will create new plantilla positions for school counselors. These include roles such as School Counselor Associate I to V, School Counselor I to IV, and Schools Division Counselor. Existing items will also be reclassified.

“This is a vital step forward in ensuring our learners are not only academically equipped but also mentally healthy. We thank President Marcos and the members of the Congress for supporting our efforts of building a system that prioritizes our children’s holistic development,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Lawmakers, led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, along with DepEd officials, witnessed the ceremonial signing of the law in Malacañang.

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