MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Parliament is pushing a proposed measure to address mental health concerns and enhance services in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Parliament Bill No. 344, principally authored by Member of the Parliament Baintan Ampatuan, seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for mental health care delivery, making services more accessible and affordable to meet the mental health needs of the Bangsamoro people.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), approximately 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. Still, the country has fewer than one mental health worker for every 100,000 people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also emphasized the importance of mental health, not only to prevent illness but also to promote overall well-being—something that many in BARMM struggle to access.
While the Philippines has made progress with the 2018 Mental Health Act, the issue remains especially urgent in regions like BARMM, where a lack of resources, stigma, and limited access to care pose significant barriers.
Ampatuan said that the stigma surrounding mental health issues would often discourage people from seeking help, while the region’s shortage of mental health professionals makes it even harder for individuals to get the support they need.
The proposed measure seeks to create structures to make mental health services more available and effective.
A key component of the bill is the creation of the Bangsamoro Office on Mental Health. The office would coordinate mental health programs across the region and ensure that mental health care integrates into the broader healthcare system.
The bill also calls to establish mental health and well-being programs to include counseling services, community education campaigns, and preventive care initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and provide ongoing support to individuals struggling with mental health issues.
In a major push to expand access to mental health care, the bill mandates the creation of one mental health center in each of BARMM’s provinces. These centers will serve as primary hubs for mental health services, offering counseling, psychiatric care, and other necessary support.
Each center will be staffed with qualified personnel, including registered guidance counselors, to ensure individuals receive appropriate care.
Co-authors of the bill include MPs Don Mustapha Loong, Rasul Ismael, Rasol Mitmug Jr., Laisa Alamia, Amilbahar Mawallil, Suharto Ambolodto, Tawakal Midtimbang, Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, Michael Midtimbang, Sittie Fahanie Uy-Oyod, Khalid Ma-Amor Hadji Abdullah, and Bassir Utto. (BTA-Parliament/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
