The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Manila (DepEd SDO Manila) partnered to improve mental health literacy in schools in 2026, in celebration of the National Mental Health Month.
The partnership signed on Wednesday will tackle the increase of mental health issues reported among students in high school by promoting mental health literacy.
‘One of the implementation activities of the partnership is the research project on the development of learning materials for improving mental health literacy. The project is set to be implemented in 2026,’ UPM said in a statement on Thursday.
The use of mental health-related educational modules and videos will be pilot-tested in Manila, six years after its initial conceptualization in 2019, the statement read. According to SDO Manila District Supervisor Arlen Gatpo, secondary students not only experience anxiety and depression, but also bullying.
The Philippines was previously dubbed the ‘bullying capital of the world’ following the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which found that 65% of Grade 10 students are bullied a few times a month. A study on the improvement of mental health literacy will also be used as a basis for a ‘potential broader implementation of the training initiative,’ Department of Environment and Occupational Health Professor Dr. Crystal Amiel Estrada said as quoted in the statement.
‘The modules do not teach about the diagnosis of mental disorders, but to help learners recognize early warning signs and enable them to seek help early if needed,’ Estrada continued.
Similarly, UPM Chancellor Michael Tee echoed the importance of involving parents and teachers in regards to mental health discussions.
‘In addressing mental health challenges within our schools, it is essential to actively involve the parents and teachers’ associations. The best practices we will develop through this partnership with DepEd shall serve as a model we can replicate in the entire country,’ Tee said. The Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act was signed in 2024, with its Implementing Rules and Regulations released in March 2025.