DepEd prioritizes the promotion, protection of mental health and general protection of its personnel
By JESUSA F. TIU
Doongan Integrated School
Northwest District
The rising number of cases and presence of community transmissions not only hampered physical classes, but also brought about mental and psychological distress to the learners and personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) and its stakeholders.
DepEd prioritizes the promotion and protection of the mental health and general welfare of its personnel and learners, especially in this time of crisis. The DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2020 titled Guidance on the Required Health Standards in Basic Education Offices and Schools highlights this priority through the provision of Mental health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) to improve and strengthen the mental resilience of all learners and DepEd personnel.
Per DepEd Memorandum No.74, s. 2021, issued by Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, the provision of MHPSS entails access to different helplines for mental health. Secretary Briones instructed all DepEd offices to include and promote the different helpline numbers of different organizations in all events and programs to provide learners and DepEd personnel different ways to seek help and persons to contact in times of mental and psychosocial distress.
Secretary Briones also instructed that all numbers, both Mental health helplines and COVID-19 Emergency Hotlines shall be updated every March and October of the year since the issuance of the memorandum. ###
