The Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to localize responses to mental health issues through the enactment of ordinances.

“Mental health ordinances will complement the Philippine Mental Health Law and localize response to prevent suicide, boost diagnosis and treatment of persons with mental health needs, and combat stigma,” PMHA national executive director Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco said in a statement.

Enacted in 2018, Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law mandates LGUs to pass local versions of the law in their respective localities, integrate mental health services into basic health services, as well as establish multi-sectoral stakeholder networks to identify, manage, and prevent mental health conditions, among other duties and responsibilities mandated by law.

However, its implementation encountered challenges due to lack of funding, infrastructure, and licensed mental health professionals.

“While the national government musters the necessary resources for the law to take its full effect, local governments must also keep a close eye and a caring hand for their constituents, ready to respond at a moment’s notice, including augmenting funds for localized services,” Uno-Rayco said.

Uno-Rayco said the PMHA has been working with various LGUs in the country to ensure that they can provide and support mental health services locally, she said.

“Our work is cut out for us. Removing barriers to mental health services through localized interventions needs commitment from everyone in the community,” she added.

Mental illness is becoming a common disability in the country and at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, the PMHA said.

Citing data from the latest report of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the academic year 2021-2022, about 2,147 students in the public school system attempted suicide while 404 died due to suicide.

Moreover, an increase in suicide cases surfaced in different parts of the country, especially in rural areas of Sorsogon, Aklan, and Zamboanga.

During the budget deliberation of the Department of Health last week, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go also stressed the importance of strengthening the implementation of RA 11036 emphasizing that mental health should be given the same level of attention and care as physical health.

Go also called to increase the funding and proper implementation of mental health programs citing the growing mental health issues worsened by current global challenges.

Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2200, known as the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act which aims to provide comprehensive mental health support for the youth in the country’s basic education system, mandating both private and public schools to integrate mental health education and support services into their curriculum. (PNA)