As the world observes World Mental Health Day on Thursday, October 10, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called for greater attention to the growing mental health challenges in the Philippines, emphasizing the need to improve access to mental health care across the nation.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized that Mental health must be given the same importance as physical health, declaring that “No Filipino should ever feel that they have nowhere to turn for help.”
“Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino at ang maayos na pag-iisip ay susi tungo sa mas produktibong buhay. Ngayong World Mental Health Day, ipakita natin ang tunay na malasakit sa ating kapwa anuman ang kanilang pinagdadaanan at iparamdam na hindi sila nag-iisa,” he explained.
Go’s call to action underscores the implementation of Republic Act No. 11036, the Philippine Mental Health Act, which promises access to mental health services for all Filipinos, especially those in remote and underserved areas.
The law, signed during the Duterte administration, pushes for the integration of mental health programs in barangays and communities.
“We must ensure that mental health services reach even the farthest barangays. Early intervention can save lives,” Go asserted.
One of Go’s most pressing concerns is the mental health challenges faced by the youth. Stressing that students are among the most vulnerable, he has been pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2598, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in public higher education institutions (HEIs).
“Imagine being a young student, battling anxiety or depression, and not knowing where to turn. We need to create safe spaces for these students, places where they can seek help without judgment,” Go, who is also chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth.
If passed, SBN 2598 will mandate HEIs to establish mental health offices, complete with dedicated hotlines and trained counselors, to provide immediate assistance to students in distress. Go also underscored the bill’s suicide prevention measures, which prioritize early detection and intervention for students at risk.
In addition to focusing on higher education, Go has co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 2200, the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. This bill, principally sponsored by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, aims to integrate mental health education into the country’s basic education system, ensuring that mental health support starts as early as possible.
“Mental health isn’t something we should only discuss when a crisis arises. It must be part of our everyday conversations—at home, in schools, in workplaces. By normalizing mental health education, we can prevent crises before they happen,” Go explained.
SBN 2200 also proposes a mental health curriculum for both public and private schools, empowering young students to understand their emotions, cope with stress, and seek help when needed.
Go’s dedication to expanding mental health services extends beyond the education system. As the principal author and sponsor of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, Go highlighted how the law mandates the establishment of specialty centers within Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals, including specialized mental health services.
“Mental health care should never be a privilege. It’s a right. With these efforts, we are bringing quality mental health services closer to the people,” Go said.
The establishment of Regional Specialty Centers is a crucial step in decentralizing mental health care, ensuring that Filipinos in provinces no longer need to travel long distances to access specialized care.
Previously, Go also lauded the Department of Health’s 2024-2028 Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) Strategic Framework, which is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The framework lays out an ambitious strategy to address the country’s mental health challenges, focusing on improving patient guidance and referral systems, establishing oversight boards dedicated to mental health, and educating the media on responsible reporting.
“This is a battle we must fight together. Too many people suffer in silence because of shame or fear. We need to create an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness,” Go stressed.
Known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate brand of public service, Go reaffirmed his commitment to serving the Filipino people: “Nandirito lang ang inyong Senator Bong Go, na handang magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. We will continue to push for reforms that bring mental health care closer to our people because no one should ever feel alone in this fight.”
