A LAWMAKER is pushing for stronger and more accessible mental health services in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), citing the growing number of Filipino youth experiencing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.
Parañaque Rep. Brian Yamsuan filed House Bill 7354, which seeks to institutionalize the establishment of a Mental Health Office (MHO) in every SUC campus. The measure aims to fill the gap in mental health support at the tertiary level, complementing recent initiatives of the Department of Education (DepEd) for basic education students.
‘While the DepEd has been focused on ensuring the mental well-being of students in the basic education sector, no such initiative has been institutionalized at the tertiary level to benefit college students, who are as vulnerable to emotional stress, depression, and even bullying,’ Yamsuan said.
The lawmaker cited the recent rollout of DepEd’s Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline #33733, which provides round-the-clock mental health assistance to younger students through direct access to the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
‘Our proposed legislation will address these gaps in the implementation of government programs aimed at effectively responding to the growing mental health crisis among our youth,’ Yamsuan said.
Yamsuan raised alarm over data from the University of the Philippines Population Institute showing that 7.5 percent of Filipinos aged 15 to 24 had experienced suicidal thoughts in 2021-more than double the 3 percent recorded in 2013. Cases of self-reported depression also rose from 7 percent to 11 percent over the same period.
He also pointed out that in 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 3,133 deaths due to intentional self-harm, with nearly 30 percent involving individuals aged 15 to 24.
‘It is not only academic pressure that college students face, but also stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns-especially for those who are working while studying or living far from their families,’ he said.
Under HB 7354, each SUC will establish an MHO that will operate dedicated hotlines staffed by trained guidance counselors and mental health professionals. These offices will provide support not only to students but also to faculty and other members of the academic community. The bill also mandates the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to require all SUCs to implement mental health programs, including awareness campaigns focused on suicide prevention, stress management, counseling, and overall well-being.
To address the shortage of mental health professionals, the measure authorizes SUCs to hire specialists on a full-time or contractual basis and to train graduates in psychology and related fields under proper supervision.
In addition, the bill tasks CHED, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Health (DOH), and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), to develop a comprehensive career development plan for mental health professionals. This includes provisions for competitive salaries, training, scholarships, research grants, and incentives.
Yamsuan expressed hope that lawmakers would act swiftly on the measure.
‘We hope that our fellow lawmakers will recognize the urgency in passing this measure that aims to institutionalize mental health services in SUCs. The lack of mental health support does not only affect academic outcomes but also one’s personal well-being and, sadly, could sometimes lead to self-harm,’ Yamsuan said.
He also noted that a similar measure had already been approved on third and final reading in the House during the 19th Congress, with former Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara among the authors of its Senate counterpart.