“The Department of Health’s plan to train healthcare workers to provide mental health support can help address the shortage of mental health professionals. In the long run, however, we need to ensure that we will produce enough graduates who will become mental health professionals and such other professionals who are qualified to deliver school-based mental health programs and services. This is consistent with our Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080).

Hindi ito dapat pribilehiyo lamang, dapat maging accessible ang mental health services sa lahat ng mga paaralan at komunidad.”

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Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN