The Department of Labor and Employment has mandated the adoption and implementation of mental health policies and programs in workplaces.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III signed and issued Department Order No. 208 on Feb. 11 stating the guidelines to employers and workers for the effective implementation of mental health policies and programs in accordance with Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act.
“The directive hopes to raise further awareness, prevent stigma and discrimination among Filipino workers in as far as mental health conditions are concerned and provide support to workers with mental health issues for them to gain access to medical health services,” Bello said.
He said the directive covers employers in the formal sector, including those that deploy overseas Filipino workers.
The order stated that an organization’s mental health program shall be prepared jointly by management and employee’s representatives and shall be made an integral part of the company’s occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and programs.