Training Module on the Right to Mental Health in the Academe
Mental Health Law and the
Educational Institutions
The then mental health bill was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte and officially acknowledged as the Mental Health Law or Republic Act
11036 on 20 June 2018. When it was approved by the Senate in 2017, the roles
of the government and public sectors were clearly defined, including that of
schools and educational institutions.
The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11036 stipulated
under Section 25 states that “Educational institutions such as schools, colleges,
universities, and technical schools shall develop policies and programs for
students, educators, and other employees to: raise awareness on mental
health issues, identify and provide support services for individuals at risk,
and facilitate access, including referral mechanisms of individual with mental
health conditions to treatment and psychosocial support.”
The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in coordination with other relevant government
agencies and stakeholders, shall provide guidance in the development
and implementation of mental health policy and programs to educational
institutions to:
a. Promote mental health;
b. Provide basic support services to individuals at risk or already have a
mental health condition; and
c. Establish efficient linkages with other agencies and organizations that
provide or make arrangements to provide support, treatment, and
continuing care.
On 3 March 2021, the Department of Education released its Guidelines on the
Counseling and Referral System of Learners for S.Y. 2020-2021. There is a need
to coordinate with educational institutions to include mental health in the
curricula of schools. This will hopefully pave the way to lessen, and eventually
remove, the stigma associated with mental illness.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), more than 50% of
people with mental illness do not seek help for their illness. Stigma plays an
integral part in this, as there is fear of discrimination or loss of livelihood.
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