NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of 11}?
23 MAY 29 R2:12
SENATE
S. No. 2258
fttCZiVtO BV.
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE 
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF TEACHERS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Teachers have long been considered as heroes because of their indispensable 
contribution to life and to the well-being of the youth. However, despite being 
considered as heroes, teachers can be victims too - victims of trauma, mental and 
emotional fatigue that they usually keep to themselves.
These may eventually have a detrimental effect on mental health. Teachers' 
mental health may be impacted by a variety of variables, including a heavy workload, 
long hours, and large class sizes. These constant stresses might have an adverse 
effect on one's physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, there is lack of 
assistance from coworkers and support from the administration in recognizing the 
mental health of the teacher, which makes it more difficult for them to seek help and 
to ease their sufferings.
Thus, this bill seeks to strengthen the promotion and delivery of mental health 
services for teachers. These can be done by establishing programs and services that 
will promote the welfare and well-being of teachers.
Considering the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. ^^58
23 HAY 29 P!2'-12
RECEIVED BV.
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE 
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF TEACHERS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assem bled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Teacher Mental Health
2 
and Wellness Act of2023."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to provide holistic
4 
support to all educators in the country, recognizing the crucial role they play in nation-
5 
building. The State shall ensure that teachers' mental, emotional, and psychological
6 
well-being is given the same importance as their professional development, as their
7 
welfare directly affects the quality of education.
8 
Sec. 3. Programs and Services. - The Department of Education (DepEd), in
9 
coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Mental Health
10 
Association, shall establish and promote the following programs and services for the
11 
welfare and well-being of teachers:
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a) Regular mental health assessments of the teachers every school semester,
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conducted by registered and licensed psychologists or related professionals;
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b) Regular counseling sessions for teachers, focusing on stress management,
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emotional stability, and coping mechanisms;


1 
c) Stress-reduction programs, such as workshops that teach mindfulness,
2 
meditation, relaxation techniques, and time-management;
3 
d) Access to peer support groups and mentoring programs for teachers, with
4 
focus on creating a safe space for expression and collaboration;
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e) Periodic seminars led by mental health professionals to raise awareness and
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improve understanding about mental health issues among teachers;
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f) Establishment of Mental Health and Wellness Liaisons to assist and connect
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teachers to mental health care providers as needed, and to monitor the progress of
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well-being programs within their schools or regions;
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g) Promote work-life balance through the formation of interest-based clubs,
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sports competitions, and other recreational opportunities; and
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h) Any other programs and services as deemed necessary by the DepEd, the
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DOH, and the Philippine Mental Health Association.
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Sec. 4. Monitoring and Evaiuation - The DepEd, in coordination with the DOH
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and Philippine Mental Health Association, shall conduct a yearly monitoring and
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evaluation of the programs and services under this Act.
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Sec. 5. Funding. - The financial assistance necessary for the effective
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implementation of the programs and services under this Act shall be included in the
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yearly General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the DepEd and DOH.
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Sec. 6. Impiementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and DOH shall
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promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this
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Act within ninety (90) days upon its effectivity.
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Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
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declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
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portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still
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subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
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Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
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memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
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with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after
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its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,