CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The School Mental Health Program is now included by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the in its annual Oplan Kalusugan (OK) One Health Week activity.
Regional Education Support Services Division chief Sammy Sampang said this is in line with Republic Act 11036 otherwise known as the Mental Health Act which provides duties and responsibilities for DepEd in regulating a comprehensive school mental health policy.
Under the law, DepEd will include integration of mental health age-appropriate content into its curriculum at all educational levels, both in public and private institutions.
In line with this development, the advancement of guidelines and standards on age-appropriate and evidence- based mental-health programs; pursuit of strategies that promote the realization of mental health and well-being in educational institutions; and the assurance that mental health promotions in public and private educational institutions shall be adequately complemented with qualified mental- health professionals.
“We will do trainings on mental health and psychosocial support and the issuance of policies as complex child protection and addressing bullying; even freeing children of assignments on weekends,” he said.
OK sa DepEd advocates good health that highlights the School-Based Feeding Program; National Drug Education Program; Adolescent Reproductive Health Education; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools Program; and medical, nursing, and dental services.
