Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 470)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 470 is to create the Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) as a policy-making and advisory body on all government programs on mental health.
The Council shall be chaired by the Secretary of Health.
Members include the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports, Secretary of Justice, Secretary of Labor and Employment, Secretary of Interior and Local Government.
There shall be three (3) representatives from non-government organizations concerned with mental health appointed by the Chairman of the Council.
The Council shall formulate policies and guidelines on mental health, develop a comprehensive and integrated national plan on mental health, and conduct monitoring, evaluation and research to support mental health policy formulation and planning.
The World Health Organization defines health as the state of physical, social, and mental well-being, not merely the absence of physical diseases.
The Council is authorized to call upon any government department, bureau, office or GOCC to extend necessary assistance.
The Department of Health (DOH) provides the technical, administrative, and secretariat support to the Council.
The Council's funding comes from the DOH budget, starting with the 1998 budget. Subsequent appropriations shall be included in the regular DOH budget.
The Council reviews all existing laws related to mental health and recommends legislation to sustain and strengthen mental health programs and services.
The Council submits an annual report to the President of the Philippines.