Camille Villar champions mental health of teachers

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Camille Villar is putting the spotlight on mental health as she intensifies her campaign in the lead-up to the May 12 national elections.

Calling it a crucial but often overlooked issue, mental well-being is just as important as physical health, especially for today’s youth and working professionals, according to Villar.

In a recent statement, Villar urged Filipinos to care for their mental health and speak openly about struggles related to stress and emotional well-being.

“It’s not easy but it’s real,” Villar said. “Mental health is one of my core advocacies. It is not something that should be hidden, or become one’s source of embarrassment,” she said.

She also called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand its coverage to include mental health services, in line with efforts to make care more accessible across all sectors of society.

As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Villar reiterated her call for national attention on mental health issues, saying, “Isang paalala na ang kalusugang pangkaisipan ay kasing halaga ng pisikal na kalusugan. Isa ito sa mga pangunahing adbokasiya ko.”

(A reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. This is one of my core advocacies.)

Villar also highlighted her legislative work in support of this cause. As a member of the House of Representatives, she filed House Bill No. 10933, the proposed “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act,” aimed at providing holistic mental and emotional support to educators.

“The welfare of our teachers directly impacts the quality of education,” she said. “They deserve not just professional development but also the care and support needed for their mental and emotional well-being.”

With just days left before the elections, Villar continues to emphasize compassion and support as cornerstones of her platform, reminding Filipinos: “Hindi ka nag-iisa. Nandito tayo para sa isa’t isa.”