By Heidi Nicodemus
DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service director Ronilda Co. (Photo: LCC DepEd)
NOTING how issues on mental health could be a significant concern, especially during the current health crisis brought by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the increasing number of suicides due to depression, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched several hotlines for the mental health concerns of both teachers and students, and even parents who may experience difficulties during this pressing times.
According to DepEd director Ronilda Co of the department’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service, the issuance of the hotlines are in line with the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services in the DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2020 or the ‘Guidance on the Required Health Standards in Basic Education Offices and Schools’.
Co said that the help lines can provide various ways to support learners and education personnel through the provision of mental health and psychosocial support services as well as wellness checks.
All helpline numbers will be updated every March and October of the year, DepEd added.
The country saw a spike in suicide cases last year, with a 57 percent of suicide cases in 2020 compared to 2019, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
PSA data showed that suicide-related deaths in 2020 were at 4,420, compared to 2,810 cases in 2019.
The National Center for Mental Health also reported that the number of suicide-related calls they received has doubled last year.
In a separate statement, education secretary Leonor Briones explained that DepEd has been man dated to prioritize the promotion and protection of the mental health and general welfare of personnel and learners, especially amidst the challenges faced by most due to the health crisis.
The DepEd has included the hotlines of Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc., COVID-19 Mental Health Responders from the Masters Psychological Services, Hopeline PH, and The 700 Club Asia in events and programs.
Here are the hotlines provided by the agency:
• Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc.: (+63) 917 882 2324, (+63) 908 891 5850, (+63) 925 557 0888
• Hopeline PH: (02) 8804 46 73, (+63) 917 558 4673, (+63) 918 873 4673, Globe/TM toll-fee 2919
• The 700 Club Asia: (+63) 949 889 8138, (+63) 943 706 7633, (+63) 0943 145 4815, (+63) 917 836 1513, 02 8737 0700, 1-800-1-1888-8700
