Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

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[S RECEIVED

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

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HOUSE BILL No.__ 890

Introduced by Representative FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS
IN EVERY REGION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Mental health refers to a person’s state of emotional, psychological, and social
well-being. It affects how an individual think, feel, behave, and relate to others. A person with
a positive and sound mental health is characterized by having a feeling of general satisfaction
in life, by being able to cope effectively with stress, work productively, and by being able to
maintain a positive relationship with others. On the other hand, persons with poor mental
health are more prone to risks of heart disease, weak immunity, chronic pain, and other
physical issues. Factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression are often seen with persons
with mental health issues and present with insomnia, overeating, and substance abuse.

Mental health is important at every stage of life; and the consequence of failing to
address childhood and adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood by limiting
opportunities leading towards productive lives.

Approximately 11.3% to 11.6% of the Filipino population are affected by mental
health disorder. Among children and adolescents, the prevalence of mental health disorder is
about 16%. In 2015, approximately 17% of Filipino students aged 13 — 17 had attempted
suicide at least once. Depression is the most common cause of suicide, with an estimated 3.3
million Filipinos suffering from this illness.

The creation or establishment of mental health centers in every region that is
accessible and affordable to every Filipino is a critical step toward ensuring the well-being
and productivity of individuals and communities.

Given the foregoing concerns, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

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DS pare 01 JUL aus



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __ $9

Introduced by Representative FERDINAND L. HERNANDEZ

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS
IN EVERY REGION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 Center
Establishment Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ The State recognizes the need to pursue a Primary
Healthcare Approach in the delivery of health services and to conduct the appropriate
programs and surveys to ensure that quality healthcare services are made accessible and
affordable for everyone,

SEC. 3. Creation of Mental Health Centers. — This recognizes the need to make
healthcare services, specifically mental health services, readily available. As such, the
Department of Health shall establish Mental Health Centers in every region These centers
will be under the supervision of the Department of Health, in collaboration with their
respective local government units.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, The Department of Health shall promulgate the implementing rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be funded from the current fiscal year’s appropriation for the Department of Health,
‘Thereafter, the necessary amount for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

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SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions thereof which are not affected shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, rules, and regulations, presidential decrees,
letters of instructions and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, 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 one (1) newspaper of general circulation. It shall also be
published online, through the Official Gazette Online, and on the website of the Department
of Health.

Approved,

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