TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre lauded the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, calling it a significant milestone in addressing the growing mental health concerns among Filipino students.
Signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in December 2024, RA 12080 mandates school-based mental health programs to raise awareness, provide early intervention, and offer direct support to students and school personnel. With the IRR now finalized, public and private schools are set to roll out these initiatives in the coming school year.
Acidre, a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), stressed the urgency of implementing the law, citing alarming indicators of student distress.
He pointed out that the Philippines had the highest incidence of bullying among OECD countries, as reported in the 2018 PISA study, with 65% of Grade 10 students experiencing bullying several times a month. Additionally, from November 2022 to July 2024, only 11% of reported bullying cases were officially resolved, according to Department of Education (DepEd) data.
“These are not just statistics; they reflect a reality in our schools that we can no longer ignore. If we want our learners to succeed academically, we must ensure they study in safe and supportive environments where mental health is a priority,” Acidre said.
Among the key provision of the law include a school-based care centers – All public schools are required to establish Care Centers offering counseling services, crisis intervention, and regular mental health screenings; division-level mental health offices, each schools division office will have a Mental Health and Well-Being Office responsible for implementing and monitoring mental health programs;and comprehensive training for educators, teachers and school personnel will undergo training to identify early signs of mental health issues and provide basic psychological first aid.
Acidre emphasized that EDCOM 2 has been pushing for stronger learner protection programs as part of broader education policy reforms. In addition to implementing RA 12080, the commission is working with DepEd to revise the IRR of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, ensuring stricter enforcement and clearer accountability at the school level.
“We need a whole-of-school approach—one that not only responds to mental health concerns but also fosters a culture of care, respect, and early intervention,” Acidre noted.
Rep. Acidre also highlighted the importance of normalizing mental health conversations in schools, as stigma remains a major barrier preventing students from seeking help. By institutionalizing these programs, RA 12080 ensures accessible mental health support and reinforces that student well-being is an essential part of quality education.
“This law is about protecting the whole learner—mind, body, and spirit. Every student who walks into a classroom should feel valued and know that help is always within reach,” he added.
RA 12080 was championed by EDCOM 2 Co-Chairpersons Rep. Roman Romulo and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, with Rep. Jude Acidre, Rep. Mark Go, Rep. Khalid Dimaporo, and Senator Joel Villanueva serving as co-authors.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
