Kalingang Mental Health Para Sa Guro Act of 2026

Senale Office of the setrap TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 26 JAN 27 A11 :22 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1695 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF TEACHERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Constitution mandates the state to give priority to education and to protect and promote the right to health of the people. Teachers stand at the core of these constitutional commitments, playing a vital role in shaping the nation by educating and nurturing the Filipino youth. Teachers mold our children to become responsible and respectful citizens in the future. Despite their critical role, teachers are increasingly exposed to high levels of stress, emotional fatigue, and burnout. Prolonged workloads, classroom pressures, and limited institutional support can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that impair both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. Unchecked mental and emotional strain not only harms teachers but also undermines the quality of education they provide. Ensuring their mental health and wellness is therefore essential to sustaining a resilient and effective education system.

•** This measure seeks to institutionalize programs and services that promote the mental health welfare and well-being of our teachers. This ensures the availability of adequate support mechanisms through proper funding. It is for this reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ERWIN T. TULFO

Senate Office of the secretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 26 JAN 27 All :22 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1695 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF TEACHERS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the

"Kalingang Mental Health para sa Guro Act of 2026".

SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to

provide holistic support to all educators in the country, recognizing the 6 crucial role they play in nation-building. The State shall ensure that teachers' mental, emotional, and psychological well-being is given the same importance as their professional development, as their welfare directly affects the quality of education.

SEC 3. Programs and Services. - The Department of Education

(DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Mental Health Association, shall establish and promote the following programs and services for the welfare and well-being of teachers:

a) Regular mental health assessments of the teachers every school semester, conducted by registered and licensed psychologists or related professionals; b) Regular counseling sessions for teachers, focusing on stress management, emotional stability, and coping mechanisms; c) Stress-reduction programs, such as workshops that teach mindfulness, meditation, relaxation techniques, and time- management; d) Access to peer support groups and mentoring programs for teachers, with focus on creating a safe space for expression and collaboration; e) Periodic seminars led by mental health professionals to raise awareness and improve understanding about mental health issues among teachers; f) Establishment of Mental Health and Wellness Liaisons to assist and connect teachers to mental health care providers as needed, and to monitor the progress of well-being programs within their schools or regions; g) Promote work-life balance through the formation of interest- based clubs, sports competitions, and other recreational opportunities; and h) Any other programs and services as deemed necessary by the DepEd, the DOH, and the Philippine Mental Health Association.

SEC 4. Monitoring and Evaluation. - The DepEd, in

coordination with the DOH and the Philippine Mental Health Association, shall conduct a yearly monitoring and evaluation of the programs and services under this Act.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety

(90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DOH shall issue the corresponding rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective

implementation of the programs and services under this Act shall be

1 included in the yearly General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the DepEd and DOH.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

5 this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,

proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,