Mental health hotline launched for students

The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) and National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) officially launched the upgraded Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (#33733) on June 12, offering students immediate mental health support. The helpline now directly connects distressed callers to NCMH crisis specialists, ensuring faster professional intervention for learners facing mental health concerns or protection issues. Accessible via #33733, 0945-175-9777, email ([[email protected]]) and Viber, the service was demonstrated by Education Secretary Sonny Angara at General Tiburcio de Leon National High School in Valenzuela City. The initiative includes a two-way referral system, allowing learners in crisis to receive immediate guidance from DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection officers while coordinating with relevant agencies. The helpline is part of a nationwide rollout, with simultaneous launches at Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School in Iloilo City and Bulua National High School in Cagayan de Oro City. Angara also highlighted the integration of school-based support centers, including Guidance and Care Centers, Teen Centers, and Learner Rights and Protection Desks, to create unified safe spaces for students. During the event, Angara visited the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan, a joint program with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. that provided free medical, dental, and vision screenings alongside psychosocial support for around 200 learners, teachers, and parents. Additionally, 25 new members of the school’s Peer Hub—trained by MentorHealth Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University—were welcomed to offer peer-to-peer mental health support. Angara also observed an orientation for 40 parents on identifying and responding to bullying, aiming to strengthen community involvement in student well-being. The launch aligns with the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) and the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act (RA 12080), both championed by Angara during his tenure in the Senate. The helpline and related programs reflect the government’s commitment under President Marcos to ensuring every learner feels supported and heard. Angara emphasized that the initiative underscores the importance of mental health in education, providing students with accessible resources to address their challenges.