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 socio-economic concerns exacerbated the existing mental health conditions of many students and teachers.

Among students, 54.7% said that distance learning activities had adversely affected their physical and mental health based on the survey conducted by the Movement for Safe, Equitable, Quality and Relevant Education or SEQuRE. In October 2020, the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan tracked 13 cases of students committing suicide, with reasons linked to the pressure of accomplishing their academic requirements, while coping with the pandemic. Similarly, many educators nationwide have reported struggling over burnout, extended working hours, and heavier workloads during the implementation of distance learning.

Currently, many schools are gradually transitioning to face-to-face classes. During this period of recovery, it is crucial to concretely address the mental health state in the education sector in recognition of the mental health rights of students, teachers, and school personnel. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s filing of the Senate Bill (SB) No. 379, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which will institutionalize mental health and well-being programs in schools.

The proposed measure concretely outlines the State obligation to value the mental health of the public, particularly the vulnerable young learners, through accessible, quality, and appropriate services to prevent and treat mental health conditions.

SB 379 seeks to establish a Mental Health and Well-Being Center in public and private basic education institutions. It also provides for the hiring of mental health professionals and the creation of plantilla positions for guidance counselors. These features will help ensure accessible mental health services that will provide holistic support for the sector as it recovers from education crisis.

CHR is hopeful that this proposed bill will provide adequate psychological and developmental support to enable both learners and educators in harnessing their full potential without compromising their well-being. This investment will not only create a nurturing, safe space for the members of the education sector, but it will also reinforce the capacity of educational institutions in the country. ###