Senator Bong Go seeks to strengthen mental health services in state universities and colleges amid rising student distress

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill in the Senate mandating all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to institutionalize stronger, more responsive, and accessible mental health services for students, faculty, and personnel across all campuses.

Refiled on the first day of his second term in the 20th Congress, the measure—titled the “State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Service Act of 2025”—builds on a similar bill Go had filed in the previous Congress, reaffirming his legislative push to address what he describes as a growing mental health crisis among youth in higher education.

In the explanatory note of the bill, Go stressed that the initiative responds to a disturbing rise in cases of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide among students in SUCs.

“Recent studies and reports have shown a concerning rise in cases of depression, anxiety, stress, and even suicide among students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs),” Go wrote.

“These mental health issues are often intensified by academic pressure, economic hardship, family problems, social isolation, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Go acknowledged that while the enactment of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, was a step forward in protecting the mental health of students in primary and secondary education, “there remains a significant gap, particularly for the population of the youth in tertiary education who need the same psychological intervention.”

“Strengthening mental health services in SUCs will ensure that students are not only academically supported but also emotionally and psychologically equipped to face the demands of higher education and life beyond graduation,” Go emphasized.

“This initiative will also help destigmatize mental health issues, encourage help-seeking behavior, and foster safe and nurturing academic environments.”

Under the proposed bill, SUCs will be mandated to establish dedicated Mental Health Offices in every campus. These offices will be responsible for implementing campus-wide awareness campaigns, suicide prevention strategies, and tailored wellness programs.

The bill also mandates the hiring of trained and licensed mental health professionals—including psychologists, guidance counselors, and social workers—and provides guidelines for their training, deployment, and career development.

“This proposed measure mandates all State Universities and Colleges to establish, enhance, and institutionalize mental health services and programs that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of students,” Go stated.

“This includes the hiring of qualified mental health professionals, creation of campus-based wellness centers, implementation of preventive education programs, and integration of mental health policies into the university and colleges system.”

Among the institutional mechanisms proposed in the bill are the establishment of hotlines, regular training of personnel, integration of guidance and counseling services in school operations, and coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to augment existing services.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in consultation with relevant agencies, will be tasked to draft implementing rules and regulations.

Recognizing the scarcity of licensed professionals in some localities, Go’s measure also allows for the provisional hiring of psychology graduates under the supervision of licensed practitioners. These individuals must secure the appropriate professional license within three years.

“The CHED and the SUCs, through the Mental Health Offices, shall formulate a scheme for the continuous training of mental health service personnel, taking into consideration the latest scientific studies, psycho-social approaches and know-how on mental health and mental health services, in accordance with the provisions of RA 10912, otherwise known as the ‘Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016’.”

Go also highlighted the long-term benefits of professionalizing the mental health workforce in the education sector. The bill includes provisions for scholarship support, performance evaluation systems, compensation alignment under RA 6758 or the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989, and wellness support for the counselors and professionals themselves.

“All mental health professionals employed in the various Mental Health Offices shall enjoy the rights, privileges, and other benefits provided in Republic Act No. 7305, otherwise known as the ‘Magna Carta of Public Health Workers’, Republic Act No. 11036, otherwise known as the ‘Mental Health Act’, and other pertinent laws,” the bill reads.