Press Release - Bong Go advocates for amplified mental health initiatives; highlights urgent need for enhanced interventions and sufficient budgetary allocations

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed in an interview on Tuesday, October 17, the critical need for mental health interventions and sufficient budgetary allocations for related programs given the challenges faced by Filipinos in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"According to the World Health Organization, 16% of Filipino children had mental disorders... about 404 learners from public schools committed suicide in 2021, and 2,147 learners attempted suicide," Go said in response to questions regarding the significance of providing substantial mental health interventions to Filipinos.

The senator expressed his concern over the reduction in the proposed mental health budget from P1.9 billion in the 2023 General Appropriations Act to only a proposed P683 million for the following year which he hopes the Senate will be able to increase once they start plenary deliberations on the 2024 budget.

"Nabigla tayo, dapat po'y maging proactive tayo, dapat lagi tayong handa hindi lang po sa mental health issue, kabuuan po, health in general po. Ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino ay katumbas po 'yan ng maayos at produktibong buhay para sa bawat Pilipino," Go said.

Go, the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, also highlighted the approval of this legislation to bring specialty services including mental health to communities. Signed into law by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. on August 24, this Act signifies a significant step towards upgrading the nation's health system.

"At isisingit ko na lang po, bilang chairman ng Committee on Health, proud po akong ibalita sa inyo na aprubado na po ang Regional Specialty Centers natin... kasama na po dito 'yung mental health (specialty centers), madadagdagan pa po ito sa mga existing (Department of Health) DOH hospitals," said Go.

This Act mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, covering various medical fields like mental health, cancer, and heart centers, thereby catering to the diversified healthcare needs of the citizenry.

Go further stressed the critical importance of healthcare investments and said, "The