In a landmark effort to address the growing mental health challenges Filipinos confront, PhilCare, one of the leading HMOs in the country, has formed a partnership with top-tier medical institution University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) to make expert-backed mental wellness programs accessible to everyone, especially students and the younger generation.
The partnership comes at a critical time when, according to a recent study, an estimated 7 million to 12.5 million Filipinos have been diagnosed with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The number of reported cases, already growing by 2% every year, does not even capture the entire picture, as many cases are still unreported or remain undiagnosed. The study states that a big part of this rise comes from the youth sector, especially those aged 15 to 19.
“We firmly believe that mental wellness is a fundamental human right, not a luxury reserved for a few,” PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger Tanco said. “This partnership is a monumental step in making that belief a reality. We are bringing the country’s leading mental health experts to people who need them most, no matter where they are. Our goal is to help Filipinos take charge of their mental health journey and remind them that they are not alone.”
The partnership is a testament to the shared commitment of both organizations to public service. UP-PGH, a leader in medical education and patient care, provides the clinical knowledge and expert guidance that powers the program. PhilCare, a member of the Philippines First Insurance Group, integrates the hospital’s mental health expertise into its tech-enabled platforms Mindscapes and HeyPhil 2.0 to expand expert care beyond hospital walls and right into anyone’s home.
HeyPhil 2.0 allows one to access PhilCare’s comprehensive health services, including teleconsultations with qualified mental health professionals, with just a few clicks. Mindscapes is PhilCare’s mental wellness program that provides Filipinos with an accessible, safe, and convenient place to manage emotions and improve well-being through digital tools and educational resources.
“PhilCare and UP-PGH believe that a healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy life, and that a strong, supportive community can overcome any challenge,” Tanco said.
“We want to be that community to everyone.”
To find help and hope, please follow mindscapesphilippines on Facebook to access wellness content and community support, or download HeyPhil 2.0 on Google Playstore or App Store for mental health consultations and services.
