Pinanawagan ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ang pagkakaroon ng mga paaralan ng “holistic” at “cohesive” na mental health programs sa gitna umano ng nakababahalang pagtaas ng kaso ng mental health-related incidents pagdating sa mga kabataan.
Upang mangyari ito, binigyang-diin ng CHR na kinakailangan nang maisabatas ang Senate Bill No. 379 o ang Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act na inihain ni Senador Sherwin Gatchalian.
"There is a need to expedite and prioritize the passage of SB 379," pahayag ng CHR sa ginanap na pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Basic Education.
"The Commission underscores that the proposed bill bolsters the implementation of Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act. In particular, by appropriating funds, creating plantilla positions for guidance associates, and increasing the salaries of guidance counselors, children will gain more access to quality and appropriate services that address various mental health concerns," dagdag nito.
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Binanggit din ng CHR na mayroong 404 estudyanteng nag-suicide noong 2021, habang 2,147 umano ang sumubok na mag-suicide.
Sa kabilang banda, 775,962 estudyante umano ang humingi ng guidance counseling. Gayunpaman, sa 60,157 na paaralan, mayroon lamang 16,557 guidance officer at 2,093 rehistradong guidance counselor para tugunan ang mga suliranin ng mga estudyante.
“No child deserves to be pressured and subjected to harsh treatment that would drive them to isolation, self-harm, or suicide,” pagbibigay-diin ng CHR.
Nakahanda naman umano ang Komisyon na magbigay ng gabay sa gobyerno at mga institusyong pang-akademiko sa pagtataguyod ng kanilang obligasyong protektahan ang mga karapatang-pantao lalo na pagdating sa mga bata.
"In upholding Filipino young learners’ right to study in a safe and secure environment and right to be protected from bullying, discrimination, and all forms of harm, the Commission stands ready to provide guidance to the government and academic institutions so they may improve the way they uphold their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights, particularly of children," anang CHR.
