THE government should guarantee the mental, emotional and psychological well-being of teachers because of the vital role that they play not only in molding the youth to become responsible citizens but also in nation-building, Rep. Camille Villar of Las Piñas City has said.
“The mental health of our teachers greatly affects their effectiveness, not only in their personal lives but also, and most importantly, in their functions in molding our students. The teacher’s collective health influences our student’s overall development,” Villar said as she pushed for the approval of her House Bill No. 10933, or the proposed “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act”
In celebration of World Teachers Day this coming October 5.
Villar said her proposal seeks to “provide holistic support to all educators in the country, recognizing the crucial role they play in nation-building. The bill shall ensure that teachers’ mental, emotional, and psychological well-being is given the same importance as their professional development, as their welfare directly affects the quality of education.”
Under HBN 10933, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), are enjoined to establish and promote programs and services for the welfare and well-being of teachers.
The DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) in the establishment of the programs.
The programs and services shall include, among others, regular mental health assessments of all teachers every school semester, which shall be conducted by registered and licensed psychologists or related professionals; regular counseling sessions for teachers, focusing on stress management, emotional stability, and coping mechanisms; and stress-reduction programs, such as workshops that teach mindfulness, meditation, relaxation techniques, and time management
Programs shall likewise be created that would provide access to peer support groups and mentoring programs for teachers, with focus on creating a safe space for expression and collaboration; promote the conduct of periodic seminars led by mental health professionals to raise awareness and improve understanding about mental health issues among teachers; and encourage work-life balance through the formation of interest-based clubs, sports competitions, and other recreational opportunities.
Mental health and wellness liaisons to assist and connect teachers to mental health care providers as needed, and to monitor the progress of well-being programs within schools or regions shall likewise be established.
The bill likewise mandates schools, universities and other educational institutions to integrate the programs and services in their respective institutions. They shall coordinate with the implementing agencies for the development of the necessary policies and adoption of strategies to implement the measure.
Villar said the five agencies shall conduct a yearly monitoring and evaluation of the programs and services to ensure their effectiveness.
The lawmaker proposed that funds needed to implement the programs and services be included in the annual budget of the DepEd, CHED, TESDA and DOH.
“Mahalagang siguruhin natin ang mental wellness ng ating mga guro. Nais natin laging tiyakin na sila ay nasa hustong estado ng pag-iisip, lalo pa’t alam naman natin ang stress na dala ng kanilang trabaho,” Villar said.
About the Author
