On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Commission on Human Rights (OCD) said that caring for the public’s psychological needs takes on a more profound meaning amid the calamities that recently hit the Philippines, including powerful storms and, more recently, devastating earthquakes.
In a statement on Friday, the Commission emphasized that the event’s theme this year is “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies.”
“As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, the Philippines must treat mental-health and psychosocial support as an essential component of humanitarian response, not an afterthought. Upholding both the Mental Health Act and the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID), the CHR underscores that investing in mental health is an investment in human dignity, resilience, and inclusive recovery,” it said.
Mental health is essential to living a life of dignity and well-being, the Commission emphasized.
It cited Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act of 2018, which affirms the State’s duty to protect the rights of all persons to mental health and to ensure access to timely, affordable, and culturally appropriate care.
Likewise, the CHR pointed out that the UNGPID guarantees protection, participation, and non-discriminatory access to essential services, including mental health and psychosocial support, for internally displaced persons.
The Commission said in humanitarian settings, mental-health services must remain accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities.
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of frontline responders, health and social workers, and humanitarian partners who continue to deliver life-saving care and psychosocial support amid crises, it urged the government to ensure adequate psychosocial and psychological care for them, acknowledging the immense pressures they face in protecting and assisting others.
“As the nation also marks National Mental Health Week from 6 to 10 October 2025, the Commission calls on government agencies to strengthen mental-health systems and to integrate them into emergency-response mechanisms to ensure sustained support for affected communities,” its statement read.
“The recent earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby areas reminds us that emergencies affect not only physical safety and infrastructure but also mental health and overall well-being,” the CHR added.
