ACCESS to mental health services is still a challenge in regions like Western Visayas, especially in underserved areas.
In 2018, the passage of Republic Act 11036, also known as the Mental Health Act, was a milestone in the Philippines’ healthcare landscape. It was a bold recognition of the need to address mental health concerns and to establish a comprehensive mental health care system that serves every Filipino. Yet, six years since its enactment, the law’s implementation remains uneven.
The Mental Health Act was designed to ensure the protection of the rights of people with mental health conditions, promote mental health awareness, and guarantee access to appropriate mental health care. One of its key provisions is the creation of 24/7 crisis hotlines, which have provided a lifeline to many. The National Center for Mental Health reported 83,655 calls to its hotlines nationwide, with 1,468 calls coming from Western Visayas alone. These numbers affirm the need for such services, but they also point to a broader concern — many in the region are still unable to access mental health care they need.
While the crisis hotlines are a vital component of the law, they are only the beginning. The Mental Health Act mandates the establishment of mental health services at all levels of healthcare, from barangay health centers to hospitals. Yet, in Western Visayas, gaps are evident. Rural areas, in particular, suffer from a lack of mental health professionals and resources, leaving many individuals without access to timely and appropriate care.
One of the major barriers is the lack of trained mental health professionals. The shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, and trained counselors in Western Visayas is a significant roadblock to delivering comprehensive mental health services. While the DOH and local government units (LGUs) have made efforts to integrate mental health into primary care, the need for specialized professionals remains unmet. LGUs must allocate more resources to training healthcare workers in mental health care, as well as recruiting and retaining mental health professionals in both urban centers and rural areas.
Another area that requires attention is the integration of mental health services into the community level. The Mental Health Act calls for the inclusion of mental health programs in schools, workplaces, and local communities, yet these initiatives are still lacking in many parts of Western Visayas. Schools, in particular, can help in early detection and intervention for mental health issues, but many lack the resources to implement comprehensive mental health programs. Strengthening partnerships between the DOH, Department of Education, and LGUs can help bring much-needed mental health services to schools and other community settings, ensuring that help is available where it is most needed.
Additionally, public awareness about the Mental Health Act and the services it guarantees remains low. Many are still unaware of their rights under the law or the mental health services available to them. This is particularly true in rural areas, where the stigma surrounding mental health is still strong. Comprehensive and sustained public awareness campaigns are essential to educate the population about the importance of mental health and to encourage help-seeking behavior. These should highlight the availability of crisis hotlines and promote mental health education, early intervention, and the integration of mental health care into everyday life.
Mental health is not a luxury — it is a necessity. By addressing the gaps in the implementation of RA 11036, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Let us commit to making mental health care a reality for all, ensuring that no one in Western Visayas — or anywhere else in the country — has to face their struggles alone.
