Ordinance to address mental issues pushed

CEBU, Philippines — To address mental issues in the academe, Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos has proposed an ordinance establishing a student assistance program in all public elementary and high schools in Cebu City.

Section 2 of the proposed ordinance stipulated that the City of Cebu must uphold the basic right of every child and youth to mental health, as well as to promote their well-being by ensuring equal access to psychosocial support, thus promoting normal development.

In the proposal, a Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team will need to be created that consists of the current school guidance counselor and one assigned teacher per grade level.

The team members would undergo extensive training in the program with representatives from the Behavioral Health Unit (BBHU), City Health Department, and Department of Social Welfare and Services.

The DSWS is tasked in the creation of the guidelines for its implementation, as well as in coordination with the City Health Department, Department of Education and guidance counselors from different schools to create the necessary forms, questionnaires, and others important documents to maintain its implementation.

The SAP Team will also provide education to the family to understand things related to mental health.

Intervention will also be done to solve the problem and explore the possibilities of how to support the family of the problematic student.

Students identified as having mental health problems will be referred to the Barangay Behavioral Health Unit (BBHU) for treatment.

"The SAP team do not diagnose or treat; therefore, if there is a need to expand the program aimed at preventing mental illness, the client should be referred to the Barangay Behavioral Health Unit who in turn will conduct further assessment/diagnosis and do a referral for students who may need further treatment," read the proposed ordinance.

The group will also initiate extensive mental awareness seminars.

The proposed item entitled "An Ordinance Establishing a Student Assistance Program for all Public Schools offering Elementary, Junior and Senior High School Education in the City of Cebu and Providing Funds Thereof," is now undergoing review with the city council’s committee on laws, ordinances, and styling.

De los Santos has cited "Mental Health Act" (R.A. No. 11036) that affirms the basic right of all Filipinos to mental health, as well as the fundamental rights of people who require mental health services.

She mentioned that the "Mental Health Act" explicitly stipulates the integration of mental health into the educational system as well as the integration of age-appropriate mental health content into the curriculum at all educational levels. (FREEMAN)