TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 2732 
Introduced by REP. CLAUDINE DIANA D. BAUTISTA-LIM 
AN ACT 
ADVANCING THE WELFARE OF LEARNERS, STRENGTHENING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE THE SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM BY MANDATING 
A MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Teachers play a profound and multifaceted role in shaping learners — not just 
academically, but as individuals. 
Teachers are often the unsung heroes when it comes to supporting learners’ 
mental health. While they are not therapists, they are uniquely positioned to notice 
early signs of distress among their students and can foster environments that promote 
emotional well-being. 
The teachers are the early detectors of distress among their students. Because 
of the time they spend with their students, teachers can easily spot changes in their 
students’ mood and behavior.  They often serve as the first point of contact for 
struggling students, and are therefore in the best position to offer a safe space for their 
students to express themselves.   
To strengthen teachers' roles in advancing learners' welfare, particularly in 
promoting their mental health, this measure proposes that the Department of 
Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, develop a training program 
for teachers to strengthen their skills as mental health advocates for their students. As 
frontline mental health advocates, the training will assist teachers in recognizing 
indicators of anxiety, depression, or social disengagement among students. Through 
the training, teachers will be guided on how to effectively serve as a bridge to 
professional aid in circumstances where students may require counseling from the 
school's care center, or in the case of private schools, the guidance counselor or other 
mental health specialists.  
July 30, 2025
6:19 pm


Teachers serve as vital link to support systems. They need to be empowered 
with practical tools for dealing with student crises and referral pathways.  In view of 
the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
REP. CLAUDINE DIANA BAUTISTA-LIM 
    DUMPER PTDA Party-List 


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 2732 
Introduced by REP. CLAUDINE DIANA D. BAUTISTA-LIM 
AN ACT 
ADVANCING THE WELFARE OF LEARNERS, STRENGTHENING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE THE SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM BY MANDATING 
A MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Mental Health 
Literacy and Training Program for Teachers Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the vital role of children 
and the youth in nation-building and shall foster and protect their holistic well-being. 
The State also affirms its policy to promote mental health and well-being in educational 
institutions. 
To this end, the State shall ensure that learners receive the necessary support 
that addresses both their academic performance and overall well-being by 
strengthening the important role of teachers in empowering and providing emotional 
support and guidance to learners. 
SEC. 3. Coverage. – All basic education institutions, both public and private, 
shall hold periodic training for teachers on mental health.  
SEC 4. Mental Health Training Program for Teachers. – The Department of 
Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the 
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), shall develop a training program for 
teachers that shall include, but not limit to, special courses on child psychology, mental 
health care, implications of academic stress, and emotional skills enhancement of 
learners. 


SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, DepEd, in coordination with DOH and NCMH, shall 
promulgate the corresponding implementing rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 5. Appropriations. – The funds necessary to implement the provisions of 
this Act shall be sourced from the respective budgets of DepEd in the annual General 
Appropriations Act.  
 
 
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. – If any provision, section, or part of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgement shall not affect, invalidate, or 
impair any other provisions, sections, or parts hereof. 
 
 
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, circulars, 
rules and regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
SEC. 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.  
 
Approved,