Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila have launched a groundbreaking nationwide initiative aimed at revolutionizing mental health support within colleges and universities. The program, named 'Sulong Institusyon sa Napapanahong Aksyon at Ginhawa' (Project SINAG), is designed to pivot institutional focus from merely responding to crises to prioritizing prevention and early intervention strategies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Project SINAG seeks to train 724 campus leaders from 181 state universities and colleges, as well as local universities and colleges, to identify mental health issues, provide suitable support, and establish effective referral systems within their institutions. A four-member team from each participating school will engage in a 12-month online training program, equipping them to integrate mental health support into campus policies, classrooms, and student services.
The initiative comes in response to rising concerns about the mental well-being of young Filipinos. UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee emphasized the importance of spiritual and cultural values alongside scientific and research-based approaches in supporting students. He noted that true mental health literacy involves nurturing the spirit and fostering communities grounded in empathy and a sense of purpose.
UP President Angelo Jimenez commended CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis for encouraging educational institutions to address previously taboo issues and prioritize the psychological well-being of students. Recent data from the 2024 National Survey on Mental Health and Well-Being indicates that young adults aged 18 to 34 are significantly more susceptible to major depressive disorders compared to older demographics.
CHED explained that, unlike conventional mental health programs typically activated during crises, Project SINAG aims to cultivate a pervasive culture of mental health awareness. This will be achieved by training key stakeholders, including decision-makers, faculty, counselors, and students, to recognize early signs of mental health concerns and provide consistent support, ensuring help is accessible before issues escalate.
The program outlines specific roles for administrators, faculty, mental health coordinators, and student leaders. Administrators will manage policy development and resources, faculty will foster psychologically safe environments, mental health coordinators will handle interventions and referrals, and student leaders will spearhead peer-support and anti-stigma campaigns.
Evangeline Bascara dela Fuente, chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital, highlighted the importance of the Integrated Layered Referral System within the initiative. This system categorizes student concerns based on the level of support needed, ensuring that students receive appropriate care ranging from basic emotional support to specialized interventions.
The program is grounded in the Biopsychosocial Spiritual framework promoted by the Philippine Council for Mental Health, acknowledging that mental health is shaped by a combination of biological, social, experiential, cultural, and spiritual factors.
