Senator Mark Villar calls anew for stronger mental health awareness in schools

Senator Mark Villar has renewed efforts to strengthen mental health awareness in schools.

He has emphasized that safeguarding the emotional and psychological well-being of students is essential to preventing tragedies and fostering safer learning environments.

His remarks came in light of recent incidents involving minors that have sparked national concern and investigations into the roots of school-related violence.

"Ang mga pangyayaring ito ay isang paalala na hindi lamang pisikal na seguridad ang kailangan nating palakasin sa ating mga paaralan. Kailangan din nating tiyakin na may sapat na suporta para sa kalusugan ng isip at emosyon ng ating mga estudyante," Villar said.

He added, "Kapag may maayos na sistema ng paggabay at sapat na access sa mental health services, mas mabibigyang pansin ang mga pinagdadaraan ng ating mga kabataan, at matutulungan at magagabayan din sila."

Villar highlighted the importance of strengthening campus-based support systems

He emphasized that schools must go beyond academic instruction to actively help students manage personal, emotional, and social challenges.

To advance this goal, he pointed to his proposed Senate Bill No. 2133, or the Students' Guidance and Counseling Act, which aims to enhance guidance and counseling programs by ensuring enough qualified personnel, expanding access to mental health services, and institutionalizing preventive interventions for learners.

"Ang guidance office ay hindi lamang dapat puntahan kapag may disciplinary concern. Dapat itong maging isang lugar kung saan komportableng lumalapit ang mga estudyante upang humingi ng payo, magbahagi ng kanilang pinagdaraanan, at makatanggap ng tamang paggabay," he said.

The senator reiterated that promoting student mental health requires collective action from families, schools, professionals, communities, and government agencies.

-Paraluman News