Angara signs IRR for school mental health programs law

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

“Sa pagpapatupad ng batas na ito, titiyakin natin na hindi lang ito magiging isang polisiya kundi isang konkretong hakbang upang matiyak na may malalapitan ang bawat estudyante at guro sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Angara said in a press release. 

(With the implementation of this law, we will ensure it is not just a policy but a concrete step to guarantee that every student and teacher has someone to turn to in times of need.)

Under the IRR, DepEd will prioritize establishing a Mental Health and Well-Being Office (MHWO) in high-burden areas to support students' well-being and create an enabling learning environment.

DepEd is also collaborating with EDCOM 2 to review and update the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, making it more responsive to current school realities. 

To address the underreporting of bullying cases, Anti-Bullying and Rights-Based Education will be integrated into the curriculum, and the Anti-Bullying Policy and Code of Conduct will be included in the Learner’s Handbook.

Additionally, Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials will be distributed nationwide to reinforce awareness and advocacy against bullying.

In December, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, a landmark measure aimed at improving mental health programs in schools. The law also provides for new plantilla positions for school counselors. — DVM, GMA Integrated News