GATCHALIAN LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH CARAVAN; VOWS SUPPORT FOR LEARNERS FACING LFE’S STRUGGLES

SENATOR Win Gatchalian led the launch of a nationwide caravan that aims to promote mental health awareness among learners.

“Nais nating ipaalala sa ating mga mag-aaral na kung may pinagdaraanan man sila sa kanilang mental health, hindi nila kailangang pasanin ito nang mag-isa. Maaari silang humingi ng tulong at may magagawa sila upang malagpasan ang mga hinaharap na pagsubok,” the senator said.

The mental health caravan, titled “Tara, Usap! G?” supports the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which Gatchalian authored and sponsored.

“Tara, Usap! G” will roll out in partnership with the nonprofit organization Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response, PETA Lingap Sining, and Youth for Mental Health Coalition.

The mental health caravan utilizes a forum theatre approach and features a performance from the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) on the learners’ struggles with safety and mental health.

“Mayroon na rin tayong batas upang itaguyod ang mental health. Ngunit makakamit lang natin ang layuning matulungan ang mga mag-aaral kung sama-sama tayong magtutulungan,” Gatchalian added.

The Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act seeks the development of a School-Based Mental Health Program. It also mandates the establishment of Care Centers in public schools.