CHED Urged to Implement ‘TeleKonsulta’ for Mental Health Support in Higher Education

MANILA — House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chair and Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Thursday to implement “TeleKonsulta,” an online consultation platform, to address the growing mental health issues among students, teachers, and faculty members across the country. Quimbo highlighted the success of similar initiatives in Marikina City and expressed confidence that the program could be effectively implemented in other regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative has been proven effective in Marikina City, and she urged CHED to take a proactive role in ensuring that all higher education institutions, both public and private, offer quality mental health programs for Filipino students. She emphasized that college graduates should have access to opportunities that allow them to earn a sufficient income to meet their families’ needs.

With 26 years of experience as a college professor at the University of the Philippines, Quimbo shared her insights on guiding the youth toward fulfilling their dreams. She noted that in 2022, the House approved House Bill 6416, which seeks to strengthen mental health services in state universities and colleges (SUCs). Senate President Francis Escudero has also been pushing for the Senate version of the bill, Senate Bill 2598, which aims to bolster mental health services in SUCs.

Citing data from the Department of Health in 2018, Escudero mentioned that an estimated 15.4 million Filipinos were suffering from depression, while 1 million were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Senate Bill 2598 mandates that all SUCs establish a mental health office to lead mental health programs and initiatives on campus.