AMONG THOSE who initiated the passage of Rep. Act No. 12080 or the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act” was Far Eastern University (FEU)’s research fellow, counselor and psychologist Dr. Sheila Marie Hocson.
“There is an increasing mental health concern in the country,” said Hocson, adding that there are more reports now of “suicide, major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorders, post traumatic disorders,” and such. She highlighted that the Philippines have high incidence of bullying in the public schools based on evidence-based studies and it is alarming.
Hocson mentioned the previous lack of items and career progression, among counselors in the country as well as they often carry out dual roles, experience a lack of role clarity & low salaries, especially those in the public schools; thus, the need for enhancement of their professional development. Considering all these factors, lawmakers and professionals began performing their tasks.
Authors, insights
“The principal author is Sen. [Sherwin] “Win” Gatchalian with whom I've worked online and in-person for months. He's really a dedicated and witty one, together with his brilliant lawyers headed by Atty. Katryn Cadiente,” said Hocson.
She said empathy, compassion, and consistency were evident while all of them were putting their backs on the measure.
“[On top of these were] dedication, patience, bravery, and prayers,” said Hocson. “There are really genuine people out there who will help you and are aligned with your values.”
However, she revealed that there are also some that are not reliable, but she considered them as blessings still. Likewise, she resolved to not give up and always make her intentions pure.
“The mercy, grace, and glory from above will follow. I may say that with this long fight, [I am] grateful that it happened during our time. [It is somewhat fulfilling and a source of] pride to be a brave and resilient Filipino counselor,” said Hocson.
For his part, Rep. Act No. 12080 author and co-sponsor Sen. Joel Villanueva agreed with Hocson that the law “addresses the growing mental health challenges faced by our learners and emphasizes their holistic development.”
Villanueva added that the law creates new plantilla positions for School Counselor Associates, School Counselors, and School Division Counselors, effectively converting and reclassifying existing guidance counselor positions.
“These new roles establish clearer qualification standards for the positions, offering more competitive salaries and career progression plans,” he said. “Additionally, the law mandates the creation of a School-Based Mental Health Program, which will prioritize the well-being of students in the basic education sector.”
Villanueva said the program would include initiatives such as mental health screening, evaluation, assessment, and ongoing monitoring.
Life mission
“I became a volunteer in the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association [PGCA] which is the Professional Regulation Commission Accredited Integrated Professional Organization for Counselors when I was still starting as a junior counselor,” said Hocson.
While Hocson was director of Guidance and Counseling at FEU Manila and FEU Makati, she was nominated to run for the PGCA Board and served as its National Secretary for two years. Following this was being the youngest president of the PGCA for three terms: 2016 to 2017; 2017 to 2018; and 2022 to 2023. As such she attended various chapter-conferences and assemblies. More importantly, she visited various schools in the country.
“I have seen the growing concerns of mental health among the youth and adults, and the plight of counselors in the country,” said Hocson.
Together with her organization, the professional regulatory board of her sector, co-counselors from various schools, they conducted consultative meetings and decided to craft a position paper.
“The position paper was signed last April 24, 2017 at Bahay Kalinaw in the University of the Philippines. Then we lobbied Congress,” said Hocson. Seven years later after various meetings and collaborative works with various sectors and legislators, last Dec. 9, 2024 the measure was signed into law.
The practice
Hocson said the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Rep. Act No. 12080 are to be released soon and we are now in the stage of consultative meetings. These are aimed to prevent & lessen mental health concerns in the country, especially among the youth, she said.
“The law provides support to the well-being as well as the academic success of Filipino students. [It is also] a big boost to the morale and professional identity of Filipino guidance counselors and an improvement to their career progression,” she said. “The Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling is very supportive.”
Giovanni Carlo Atendido, himself a registered guidance counselor, welcomed the signing of the law.
“This law is essential because it mandates school-based mental health promotion,” said Atendido, adding that it “raises awareness about the importance of maintaining mental stability.”
He underscored the constant monitoring of suicide ideation as well as the delivery of other mental health services in schools.
“In guidance and counseling, the counselor is given the opportunity to be a companion of the counselee in coping, to be enlightened about the adversities they are going through, address confusion toward self and career, address family issues, facilitate [favorable] change,” said Atendido. He quoted psychologist Melissa Madison who said counselors must build a relationship of trust, confidence, and mutual respect with every client.
Atendido has collaborated with Hocson on more than one occasion. They have spoken to diverse groups of people in schools and other places.
“Dr Shake Hocson founded the Peer Organization of the Philippines [POP], where the peer facilitators group in every school [acts] as the extension arm of the guidance [and counseling] office in promoting their services,” said Atendido. “I was once elected [national] vice president [under Hocson’s tutelage].”
Their group drafted the rules and regulations implementing POP.
“[Hocson] always presents [an encouraging] aura and mood because she advocates for the essence of positive psychology,” said Atendido. “Always wear beautiful smiles [and] create [an affirmative] mindset.”
-30-
Comments