Press Release - Bong Go seeks increased funding and proper implementation of Mental Health programs

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go advocated for increased funding and proper implementation of mental health programs within the Department of Health (DOH) budget during a Committee on Finance hearing on Thursday, September 28.

Citing the growing mental health issues worsened by current global challenges, Go emphasized that mental health should not be overlooked, especially when many Filipinos are grappling with related issues.

The senator's remarks came as part of a broader discussion on DOH's proposed budget for the upcoming year.

"Hindi rin natin dapat kalimutan ang sapat na pondo para sa mental health programs lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya na marami sa ating mga kababayan ang apektado po ang mental health," said Go.

Go also highlighted that the proposed budget for DOH has been slashed by over ten billion pesos compared to the current year. He underscored the necessity of restoring and allocating funds for various programs, including those focused on mental health.

"Mahigit sampung bilyon po ang natapyas sa proposed budget ng DOH kumpara sa taong ito. Maraming programa pa ang dapat ma-budget-an natin at maibalik, kaya umaasa tayo na madagdagan ang budget ng DOH," he added.

Go endorsed additional funding for DOH, and urged collective action to invest more in healthcare, particularly in mental health programs.

"With that, I endorse additional funding for the Department of Health. Pagtulungan po natin ito, the more we should invest sa ating health sa panahon ngayon," he said.

Go's focus on mental health is consistent with his previous legislative efforts. He has co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2200, known as the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

This bill aims to provide comprehensive mental health support for the youth in the country's basic education system, mandating both private and public schools to integrate mental health education and support services into their curriculum.

Furthermore, Go has also been pushing for the passage of his proposed SBN 1786, which seeks to mandate public higher education institutions to establish Mental Health Offices on their campuses. This aligns with his belief that mental health