DepEd taps parents in school-based mental health program

The Department of Education (DepEd) is stepping up mental health and anti-bullying support in public schools by involving parents, guardians, and caregivers as active partners in protecting students through the Kaagapay Program, the agency announced on Monday.

Outlined in a DepEd memorandum, the program supports the government’s push to improve student well-being and child protection in schools under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Under Kaagapay, parents and guardians act as co-educators, helping reinforce values, positive discipline, and emotional support at home. Their role complements lessons in the classroom and guidance programs at school.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the program strengthens the support system around learners by bringing families into the process.

"As parents, we know how heavy the responsibility of caring for and guiding a child can be. When families and schools work together in shaping behavior and understanding what children are going through, learners are better protected and teachers’ work becomes lighter," Angara said.

The program is backed by a P100-million nationwide budget and will be carried out through parent engagement sessions and advocacy campaigns. These sessions help parents turn school policies into practical actions at home.

DepEd said the sessions will be interactive, involving sharing experiences, guided reflection, and action planning. The goal is to help parents understand student behavior, emotional needs, and warning signs of bullying or distress.

Sessions will first explain parents’ roles in DepEd’s curriculum and learner development, then cover topics like socio-emotional support, values, positive discipline, bullying awareness, and partnerships between home, school, and community.

Parents are encouraged to create simple home action plans that align with school goals.

To reach more families, schools can hold sessions in person, modularly, or online, depending on parents’ schedules.

The program is reportedly open to all parents and caregivers of public elementary and secondary school students, with special attention to representation across different family setups and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Participation is voluntary, and measures are in place to protect privacy and prevent stigma.

DepEd said the Kaagapay Program is already being rolled out, with activities continuing throughout School Year 2025–2026 via local school offices.

The program comes alongside wider government support for student well-being, including a P2.9-billion allocation for the School-Based Mental Health Program, which funds mental health services in schools and suicide prevention initiatives under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

With Kaagapay, DepEd supposedly aims to make parents active partners in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments, rather than passive bystanders.—MCG, GMA Integrated News