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MANILA, Philippines — With less than a month to go before the new academic calendar, Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has called for stronger mental health support within state universities and colleges (SUCs), amid rising numbers of students being diagnosed with anxiety and depression disorders.
In a statement on Tuesday, Yamsuan said he has already filed House Bill (HB) No. 7354, which seeks the establishment of a Mental Health Office (MHO) in all SUCs—which he believes will complement efforts by other education authorities like the Department of Education (DepEd), particularly the opening of a 24/7 helpline for students in elementary and secondary schools.
“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.
“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.
