Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness and Education Program

Senate fice of the Beretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE FEB -9 P1:41 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1795 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING A POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM EXPLANATORY NOTE Not all scars can be seen by the naked eye. Some are ingrained in the heart and rooted in the soul like an invisible wound. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is usually triggered by terrifying event-this event was experienced or witnessed by a person suffering from the condition.! In most cases, people who faced a traumatic event will naturally react to it which may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear and even guilt. 2 These reactions may go away over time. However, for a person suffering from PTSD, these feelings will continue and even increase. 3 Based on the report of Department of Health (DOH), PTSD can develop at any age. Children below six years old tend to reenact the traumatic event they experienced while the older children fantasize having revenge. On the other hand, hyperarousal can 1 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (2018) Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967 (Accessed: October 25, 2022). 2 Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (no date) WebMD. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder (Accessed: October 25, 2022). 3 1d.

happen on elderly population. Other medical events and procedures associated with life threats are associated with high rates of PTSD. At present, Philippines experiences significant mental health challenges. It was recorded that 11.3% to 11.6% of the population or about 12.5 million Filipinos are suffering from various mental health conditions.* Some of those suffered from PTSD. Given the numbers of Filipinos suffering from PTSD, it is necessary for the government to create programs to raise awareness on the PTSD and to give support to those who are suffering from the condition. Thus, this bill seeks to look for ways to help them cope with the detrimental effects of PTSD. This is to urge the DOH to craft programs to improve the identification of patients with PTSD, increase awareness of such disorders with the public, and train educators (such as teachers, nurses, social workers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators) on effective PTSD assistance methods. This bill likewise urges the local government units to provide policies in promoting PTSD awareness programs and ensure the implementation of those. In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR 4 Wilfredo, F. et.al. (2024). Navigating the Stream: Empowering Filipinos in their Mental Health Journey. Acta Medica Philippina, 58(19). https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i19.11983

, i Senate Office of the & ceratary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session FEB -9 P1:41 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1795 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING A POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Post Traumatic Stress

Disorder Awareness and Education Act"

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and

promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. It is also the policy of the State to promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth recognizing their vital role in nation-building.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the term Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder or PTSD shall refer to an emotional illness that is classified as an anxiety disorder and that usually develops as a result of a terribly frightening, life- threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience.

Sec. 4. Innovative Assistance for the Identification of, Training on, and

Educational Awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. - The Department of Health (DOH) shall craft programs to improve the identification of patients with PTSD, increase awareness of such disorders with the public, and train educators (such as teachers, nurses, social workers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators) on effective PTSD assistance methods.

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Sec. 5. Public Service Announcements. - The Department of Education and the

2 Commission on Higher Education, in consultation with the DOH, shall carry out a program to develop, distribute, and promote the broadcasting of public service announcements to improve public awareness and to promote the identification and prevention of PTSD.

Sec. 6. PTSD Research and Report. - Not later than eighteen (18) months after

the date of the enactment of this Act, the DOH shall conduct a study on the impact PTSD has on educational advancement and achievement. The study shall: (a) determine the prevalence of PTSD among the population and the morbidity and mortality rates associated with PTSD; (b) report on current national and local programs to educate the public about the dangers of PTSD, as well as evaluate the value of such programs; and (c) make recommendations on measures that could be undertaken by the Congress, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Health, to strengthen PTSD awareness programs.

Sec. 7. Intervention of LGUs - Local government units (LGUs) shall likewise

provide policies in promoting the PTSD awareness programs and ensure the implementation of those.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,