Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bilf No. 113 66

Introduced by Representative Marjorie Ann “Maan” A. Teodoro

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the last week of August of every year in the entire country as
“National Youth Mental Health Week" to raise awareness on the mental health of the youth
today on their social, emotional and psychological well-being, while providing them a safe
space within their communities.

The state acknowledges the importance of our youth to nation-building as they are
integrated in our society in many ways. However, back in the old days, the subject on mental
health was taboo since it was not yet a fully understood topic. Even the individual experiencing
mental health could not completely comprehend his/her condition, just simply learning to live
with it. This stigma led to discrimination and fear of being misjudged as someone being weak,
which hindered them to share their real thoughts and feelings, and receive the proper
treatment due to them.

In 2018, the country reached a major milestone as they enacted Republic Act No. 11036
or the “Mental Health Act” that formulated, developed, and implemented national policies,
strategies, programs, and regulations towards mental health, as well as a mental health care
system responsive to the psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial needs of the Filipino
people. This law promises them equal rights and freedom in educational institutions, their
workplaces, and within their communities.

Unfortunately, in spite of this law's passage, mental health amongst the youth is
surging especially since the onset of technology and smart phones. The youth today is under
the impression of conforming to certain standards and expectations that are somewhat
sometimes unreasonable and even unachievable just because of what they see on social
media, on the news, and on other platforms. These expectations stress an individual and one
finds it difficult to cope with.

In 2022, the University of the Philippines Population Institute released the 2021 Youth
‘Adult Fertility Surveys showing that nearly 1 in 5 Filipino youth aged between 15-24 had
suicidal thoughts. Scientifically, the stage between 15 to 24 years old is the peak of one’s



childhood in terms of physical, social, and psychological developments, yet it is likewise the
stage where a child experiences the onset of mental illness. It is during this time that they need
more attention and care, otherwise, their mental health will greatly affect their physical, social,
and psychological health.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has shared that in the School Year 2023-2024,
more than 1,700 students committed attempted suicide and 254 students committed suicide.
Of that number, 113 were junior high students while 61 were senior high students. Education
Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral said that one of the contributing factors to this were "influence
of social media, problems in the family, and abuse, among others’. "This concem also became
one of the reasons for the passage of Republic Act No. 12080 or the “Basic Education Mental
Health and Well-being Promotion Act” in 2024 to strengthen mental health programs in
educational institutions wherein students spend most of their time, aside from their homes.

Therefore, in view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
requested.

MARJORI§ ANN “| A. TEODORO

"eran pre/raonscawa iy ae ny ade commiting se!


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 11366

Introduced by Representative Marjorie Ann “Maan” A. Teodoro

AN ACT
DECLARING THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST OF EVERY YEAR AS “NATIONAL YOUTH MENTAL.
HEALTH WEEK" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

‘SECTION 1. The last week of August of every year is hereby declared as “National Youth Mental
Health Awareness Week” nationwide as the State's role and responsibility in not only
acknowledging the growing mental health issues of the youth today, but presenting them a

safe space in the country.

SEC. 2. The National Youth Commission shall, in coordination with the Department of
Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), National Union of Students
of the Philippines (NUSP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA), and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), together with the youth
organizations and youth-serving organizations shall implement an annual program of

activities ensuring its observance and expanding its awareness.

All schools, colleges, and universities shall conduct activities in their respective jurisdictions in

celebration of the National Youth Mental Health Awareness Week.


Private companies and organizations are enjoined to launch activities that will promote Youth
and Family Wellness Programs, Healthy Lifestyle, Open Communication Projects, among
others.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or

in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,