The government should guarantee the mental, emotional and psychological well-being of teachers because of the vital role that they play not only in molding the youth to become responsible citizens but also in nation-building, said Rep. Camille Villar of Las Piñas City.
“The mental health of our teachers greatly affects their effectiveness, not only in their personal lives but also, and most importantly, in their functions in molding our students. The teacher’s collective health influences our student’s overall development,” Villar said as she pushed for the approval of her House Bill 10933, or the proposed “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act” in celebration of World Teachers Day on October 5.
In her bill, Villar seeks to “provide holistic support to all educators in the country, recognizing the crucial role they play in nation-building. The bill shall ensure that teachers’ mental, emotional, and psychological well-being is given the same importance as their professional development, as their welfare directly affects the quality of education.”
Under HB 10933, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), are enjoined to establish and promote programs and services for the welfare and well-being of teachers.
The DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) in the establishment of the programs.
