NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1637
SSHTUltf
o( flic : -rt.-n p
23 JAN-4 P5 26
RtCEIl 3',
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH 
HIRING OF AT LEAST ONE PSYCHOLOGIST PER CITY OR MUNICIPALITY, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Mental health issues have been an increasing concern not only in the Philippines but 
in the entire world. In a 2019 World Health Organization study, it was found out that 1 in 
every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world are living with mental health problems, 
with anxiety and depression the most common.1 These mental health problems are taking its 
toll in the lives of the youth and adults alike.
These problems remain unaddressed due to a gap between the people needing the 
care and access thereto. In order to address this developing concern, there is a need to bridge 
the gap between the community and the mental health care providers.
This bill seeks to raise mental health awareness to increase understanding and reduce 
stigma, and make access to quality mental health care and effective treatments closer to the 
community. It aims to reduce mental health cases by hiring a psychologist per city or 
municipality who will be available for consultation and provide counseling to persons 
experiencing various mental health conditions.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
’ A^UTI I
MARK ATVILLAIT
1 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
1


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1637
I
itp of !lji' £•)■.
23 JAN-4 P5 :26
RECEiV 0
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH 
HIRING OF AT LEAST ONE PSYCHOLOGIST PER CITY OR MUNICIPALITY, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Sikolohista Para sa Bayan
2 
Act of2022"
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
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promote mental health awareness and provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive
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mental health and social care services in community-based settings.
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The State recognizes the important role that mental health plays in achieving
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global development goals. Hence, an increased investment in all fronts and efforts to
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increase access to quality mental health care and effective treatments shall be a priority
9 
measure for the government.
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Sec. 3. Hiring of One (1) Psychologist per City/Municipaiity - The Local
11 
Government Units shall hire at least one (1) psychologist per city/municipality who will
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be available for consultation and will provide counselling to persons experiencing various
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mental health conditions.


1 
Sec. 
4. Qualifications. - 
The psychologist shall possess the minimum
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qualifications, such as but not limited to, having a Professional Regulation Commission
3 
(PRC) license, at least one (1) year experience, and shall be of good moral character.
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Sec. 5. Implementing Rules. - Within ninety days from the effectivity of this Act,
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the Civil Service Commission (CSC), in coordination with the Department of Health shall
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promulgate the guidelines for this Act.
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Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
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unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue
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to be in full force and effect.
10 
Sec. 
7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of
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instructions, proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this
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Act shall be deemed notified, amended, or repealed accordingly.
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Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
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Approved,