1 minute read
More holistic approach to...
Act, which will provide mental health services, emotional, developmental and preventive programs and other support services.
Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Escudero on Tuesday, February 7 said the Department of Health (DOH) should lead a nationwide study on suicide cases among students to enable the government to get a bigger picture of the current mental health state of Filipinos.
Alarmed over reports of suicide cases among students, Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on higher, technical and vocational education, said a comprehensive study is needed to have a holistic and effective approach to addressing the problem in general.
“The data we have found is not enough. This is my call: the DOH should look at the current mental health situation in our country, not only among students –elementary, high school or
Secretary Austin’s visit reinvigorates...
PAGE 5 college – but also among ordinary Filipinos from various sectors, whether employed or unemployed. It is important to get those data, so that we will know how to remedy or solve this problem,” he added in Filipino and English.
Bilateral Strategic Dialogue with the United States which we hosted in Manila the other week.
Following his arrival, Secretary Austin immediately proceeded to Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City, where he met with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).
He described the visit as “heartwarming” because of the enthusiastic welcome he received from the local soldiers and officials – several of whom attended U.S. military institutions for advance courses –who engaged with him. Of course, the U.S. troops stationed in Zamboanga were also elated at the visit of the former U.S. Army four-star general whose name is legendary among American soldiers, having served as commanding general of U.S. Forces in Iraq.
The Bicolano senator noted that the move would also supplement the recent survey conducted by the DepEd on the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of elementary and high school students. n
