Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the Celebration of World Mental Health Day and National Mental Health Week
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the global community in observing World Mental Health Day on 10 October, with this year’s call to action: “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies.” Mental health is essential to living a life of dignity and well-being. Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act of 2018, affirms the […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the observance of the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the global community in observing the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day. With this year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” we are called to dispel myths, break stigma, and nurture conversations rooted in openness, empathy, and support. This observance reminds us that everyone carries their own struggles, often […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights lauding the signing of the Basic Education Mental Health Law
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) commends the efforts of our legislators for crafting laws that enhance the Philippine education system by establishing strong mechanisms to implement comprehensive school-based mental health programs across all public and private basic education institutions. Signed into law on 09 December 2024, Republic Act (RA) No. 12080, or the Basic […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights supporting Senate Bill 2598 or the establishment of Mental Health Offices in SUCs
The Commission on Human Rights strongly advocates for the passage of Senate Bill 2598, also known as the “State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Services Act,” which proposes the establishment of Mental Health Offices in state universities and colleges throughout the Philippines. This bill, submitted by the Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education; […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights supporting the passage of Senate Bill No. 379 for more holistic mental health programs in public schools
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urges for the swift passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 379 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act filed by Senator Gatchalian in the 19th Congress. In view of the Department of Education (DepEd) report detailing the state of mental health, guidance counseling, and suicide cases […]
RESEARCH | Karapatang Pang-Tao at Pagiging Relihiyoso: The Role of Religiosity/Spirituality and Human Rights in Mental Health and Life Satisfaction
This study sets out to examine the relationship of human rights and mental health, specifically, to describe the Filipinos’ level of perceived mental health status, perception of what rights the government should afford to its citizens, perceived importance of the freedom to practice one’s religion, and religiosity/spirituality, and how these factors are related to life […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, in support of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act
The shift to a remote and blended learning modality due to the pandemic has adversely affected the mental health and well-being of many students and teachers. Prior to the pandemic, many Filipinos, including those in the education sector, were already affected by mental health issues. Heavy academic load, lack of social interaction, health crisis, and […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, in support of mental health services bill for state universities, colleges
The Commission on Human Rights supports House Bill (HB) No. 0284 or the proposed State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Service Act which seeks to uphold the well-being of students enrolled in SUCs. Under HB 0284, programs and services shall be made available for students to assist in resolving emotional, behavioral and psychosocial issues […]
Statement of CHR Commissioner, Gwendolyn Ll. Pimentel-Gana, on the celebration of World Mental Health Day 2021
World Mental Health Day, celebrated every 10th of October, is dedicated to promoting the understanding of mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. It’s important to raise awareness of mental health conditions and ensure that communities recognize the part each person has to play in creating a mentally healthy society. Ang World Mental Health Day na […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the celebration of National Mental Health Week 2021
The Commission on Human Rights joins all Filipinos in celebrating National Mental Health Week! This year’s campaign slogan for the international World Mental Health Day, “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality” highlights the need for increased accessibility of mental health services for every individual as the world battles the COVID pandemic. […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, supporting government’s move to include mental health services in primary health care package
The Commission lauds and supports Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) plan to include mental health services in its primary care package for Filipinos through its Konsulta package. In May 2021, data from National Mental Health Program of DOH records at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffering from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. The Philhealth Konsultasyong […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, recognizing the DSWD’s online mental and psychosocial program for vulnerable sectors
The launch of the WiSUPPORT or the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Individuals and Families Affected by COVID-19 and other Crisis Situations by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a commendable step in addressing the growing mental health concerns in this time of pandemic. The program aims to target the […]