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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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Friday, March 17, 2017
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MANILA – Senators are pushing for the integration of mental health programs and services in the public health system.
Senate Bill No. 1354 seeks the protection of the rights of people with mental disorders.
“They are and will always be part of our society,” said the author, Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. “I believe that, once enacted into law, many will greatly benefit from [the measure].”
The Philippines is one of the few countries without a comprehensive mental health law, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros, a supporter of the bill.
Two in five young Filipinos have thought that “life is not worth living” while one in five have had suicidal thoughts, Hontiveros said, citing information from the National Youth Commission.
The bill also seeks to include mental health services in schools and communities, she said.
“Schools should integrate mental health services,” stressed Hontiveros. “Guidance counselors and teachers must be equipped. So should barangay health workers.”
“We need people working in the community setting. Mental health services must not be too hospital-centric,” she added.
According to Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, the proposed “Philippine Mental Health Act” aims to address ill-equipped mental health institutions and unaddressed mental health problems.
The Philippines has the highest incidence of depression in Southeast Asia, Angara said, citing a World Health Organization 2011 study.
One out of every 100 households has a member with a mental disorder, a 2004 Department of Health survey showed.
“Lahat ng Pilipinong may suliranin sa pag-iisip ay may angking galing at talino. May kakayahan at potensyal para makatulong at makapag-ambag sa pag-unlad ng bansa,” said Angara. “Nagkataon lang na mayroon silang kakaibang karamdaman o kalagayan na kailangan ng partikular na paggamot at pag-aaruga.”/PN
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