Camille Villar Pledges Stronger Mental Health Support for Teachers
CAMILLE VILLAR – In her Senate bid, Camille Villar shines a light on the often-ignored struggles of educators by putting their mental health at the heart of her platform.
As the May 12 national elections draw near, senatorial candidate Camille Villar is putting mental health at the forefront of her campaign, emphasizing its critical importance for both students and professionals—especially teachers.
Villar, a staunch advocate for mental well-being, believes that emotional and psychological health must be treated with the same urgency and care as physical health. In a recent public statement, she encouraged Filipinos to speak openly about mental struggles, noting that the topic should no longer be shrouded in shame.
“It’s not easy but it’s real,” Villar said. “Mental health is one of my core advocacies. It is not something that should be hidden, or become one’s source of embarrassment.”
In line with this advocacy, Villar is pushing for expanded mental health coverage under PhilHealth to make services more accessible across all sectors, especially the underprivileged. Her call to action comes as the country marks Mental Health Awareness Month this May.
“Isang paalala na ang kalusugang pangkaisipan ay kasing halaga ng pisikal na kalusugan. Isa ito sa mga pangunahing adbokasiya ko,” she said.
Based on the report, Villar has also demonstrated her commitment through legislative work. As a member of the House of Representatives, she filed House Bill No. 10933, known as the “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act.” The proposed measure seeks to institutionalize support systems that provide holistic care for educators’ mental and emotional well-being.
According to Villar, “The welfare of our teachers directly impacts the quality of education. They deserve not just professional development but also the care and support needed for their mental and emotional well-being.”
With just days left before the polls, Villar continues to campaign on a platform grounded in compassion, social welfare, and inclusive healthcare. She reminds voters of the power of community and empathy: “Hindi ka nag-iisa. Nandito tayo para sa isa’t isa.”
Her push for mental health awareness not only aims to transform policy but also break the stigma that has long surrounded emotional well-being in the Philippines.
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