MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday signed a law that institutionalizes mental health and well-being programs in basic education in both public and private schools.

Under the newly signed “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act,” programs promoting the mental health of both basic education students, and teaching and  non-teaching personnel in public and private schools are institutionalized to ensure that teachers and students are “equipped to excel” amid challenges in the education system.

”When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes,” Marcos said in his speech during the signing of the law at the Malacañan Palace.

He also said that the law “safeguards” youth and school personnel while investing in the nation’s intellectual, emotional, and social development.

The law will also enable schools to become “sanctuaries of learning and well-being,” the chief executive said.

Under the law, Care Centers will be established in all public basic education schools, led by School Counselors and supported by Counselor Associates. These centers will offer counseling, stress management workshops, and programs to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

The President described the legislation as urgent, citing global economic losses of P16 trillion due to mental health challenges by 2030. 

“Locally, the toll is evident in decreased academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school personnel,” Marcos said, adding that aside from promoting their well-being, the measure likewise aims to make the students “productive” and “ready” to contribute to nation building.