Law Summary
Scope of Mental Health Under the Order
- Mental health encompasses mental disorders and substance abuse.
- It includes issues arising from medical illnesses and everyday psychosocial challenges.
- Recognizes vulnerable or high-risk groups such as disaster victims, children, women, and the elderly.
- Addresses family disruptions linked to overseas employment and internal migration.
- Considers lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization and globalization.
Rationale for Establishing the Council
- Existing governmental and non-governmental responses to mental health are deemed insufficient.
- There is a need to elevate public awareness of mental health as an integral part of total health care.
- Emphasizes the inclusion of mental health in government health programs.
Creation and Nature of the Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH)
- PCMH established as the policy-making and advisory body on all government mental health programs.
- Chaired by the Secretary of Health.
- Composed of key secretaries from relevant government departments, heads of mental health institutions and educational bodies, and three NGO representatives.
Composition of the Council
- Secretaries from: Health; Social Welfare and Development; Education, Culture and Sports; Justice; Labor and Employment; Interior and Local Government.
- Medical Center Chief of the National Center for Mental Health.
- Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, UP-PGH.
- Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education.
- Director General of the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority.
- Three NGO representatives appointed by the Council Chair.
Core Functions of the Council
- Formulate policies and guidelines on mental health.
- Develop a comprehensive, integrated national mental health plan.
- Conduct monitoring, evaluation, and research to support policy and planning.
- Promote inter-sectoral collaboration for designing and implementing mental health programs.
- Review existing mental health laws and recommend legislative improvements.
- Advise the President on mental health matters.
- Submit an annual report to the President.
Institutional Support and Authority
- Empowered to request assistance from any government department, bureau, office, or government-owned and controlled corporation.
- Department of Health provides technical, administrative, and secretariat support to the Council.
Funding
- Initial funding from the Department of Health's 1998 budget.
- Future appropriations to be included in the DOH's regular budget.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance on February 24, 1998.