MANILA — The enrolled 2026 budget measure has allotted P2.9 billion for the rollout of the School-Based Mental Health Program and the creation of the Learner Wellness Division, a lawmaker said.

The allocation is in line with the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which Senator Win Gatchalian authored.

The law mandates the development and strengthening of the School-Based Mental Health Program to promote learners’ well-being and to manage mental health concerns of all learners, including suicide prevention in schools.

“Kinikilala natin ang bigat at agarang pangangailangan na tugunan ang mga suliranin sa mental health ng mga kabataan. Kaya bahagi ng makasaysayang pondong inilaan natin para sa sektor ng edukasyon ang pagtaguyod sa mental health at kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral,” Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said.

Under the law’s implementing rules and regulations, a Learner Wellness Division will be created under the Bureau of Learner Support Services.

The division will be responsible for setting annual targets for the law’s implementation, including the establishment of school mental health offices and care centers, as well as the filling of required plantilla positions.