Senator Mark Villar renewed his call to strengthen mental health awareness in schools, stressing that investing in the emotional and psychological well-being of students is key to preventing future tragedies and building safer learning environments.
The senator issued the statement following the recent incidents involving minors that have raised national concern and prompted investigations into the factors contributing to 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,” Senator Villar said.
“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” he added.
Villar underscored the need to strengthen campus-based support systems, noting that schools should not only impart knowledge but also help students navigate personal, emotional, and social challenges.
To advance this objective, the senator cited his proposed Senate Bill No. 2133, or the Students’ Guidance and Counseling Act, which seeks to strengthen guidance and counseling programs in educational institutions by ensuring an adequate number of qualified guidance personnel, expanding access to mental health services, and institutionalizing preventive intervention programs for students.
“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
Senator Villar reiterated that promoting students’ mental well-being requires a collective effort from families, schools, mental health professionals, local communities, and government agencies.
“Responsibilidad natin, bilang mga nakatatanda at mga magulang nila na lumikha ng isang kapaligirang ligtas, may malasakit, at may mga taong handang makinig, gumabay, at umalalay sa kanila—pisikal, mental, at emosyonal. Sa ganitong paraan, mas mabibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong lumaki nang may kumpiyansa, katatagan, at pag-asa,” Villar concluded.
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