Manila, March 4 -- With youth mental health issues becoming more prevalent, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for the immediate implementation of the School-Based Mental Health Program under Republic Act No. 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

The law's implementing rules and regulations have been finalized.

Gatchalian said the law must result in tangible mental health support for students.

"Mental health should be a priority, not an afterthought," he said in a news release Tuesday.

"By embedding mental health services into schools, we provide learners with immediate support before their struggles affect their education and well-being."

The program mandates screening, crisis response, first ai...