National Mental Health Program

I. Rationale:
Background of the Program
Vision: Better Quality of Life through Total Health Care for all Filipinos.
Mission: A Rational and Unified Response to Mental Health.
Goal: Quality Mental Health Care.
Objective: Implementation of a Mental Health Program strategy
The National Mental Health Policy shall be pursued through a Mental Health Program strategy
prioritizing the promotion of mental health, protection of the rights and freedoms of persons with
mental diseases and the reduction of the burden and consequences of mental ill-health, mental
and brain disorders and disabilities.
State International Support and Policies, Mandates
Stakeholders:
To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the National Mental Health Program, certain
committees and teams were organized.
1. National Program Management Committee (NPMC)
The NPMC is chaired by the Undersecretary of Health of the Policy and Standards
Development Team for Service Delivery and co-chaired by the Director IV of the National
Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC).
Its functions are as follows:
Oversee the development of mental health measures for sub-programs and
components;
Integrate the various programs, project and activities from the various program
development and management groups for each sub-program;
Manage the various sub-programs and components of the National Mental Health
Program;
Oversee the implementation of prevention and control measures for mental health
issues and concerns; and
Recommended to the Secretary of Health a master plan for mental health aligned
with the mandates and thrusts of various government agencies.

2. Program Development and Management Teams (PDMT)
Under the NPMC, PDMT shall be established corresponding to the four sub-programs of the
National Mental Health Program. A PDMT shall oversee the operations of a sub-program of the
National Mental Health Program.
The functions of PDMT are:
Formulate and recommend policies, standards, guidelines approaches on each
specifics sub-programs on mental health;
Develop a plan of action for each specific sub-program in consultation with mental
health advocates and stakeholders
Develop operating guidelines, procedures, protocols for the mental health sub-
program. Ensure the implementation of the program among all stakeholders; and
Provide technical assistance to other mental health teams according to sub-
programs thrusts.
3. Regional Mental Health Teams (RMHT)
To ensure an efficient and effective multi-sectoral implementation of the National Mental Health
Program at the regional level, a RMHT shall be established in each of the Centers for Health
Development (CHD).
The functions are as follows:
Oversee the planning and operation of the National Mental Health Program at the
regional level;
Provide technical assistance on the issues and concerns pertaining to the
implementation of the different subprograms of the National Mental Health Program;
Strengthen technical and managerial capability at the local level to ensure LGU
participation on the implementation of the National Mental Health Program;
Ensure establishment of LGU teams for mental health;
Ensure the conduct of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the
National Mental Health Program at the regional level; and
Regularly update the PDMT on the status of the regional implementation of the
National Mental Health Program.
4. Local Government Unit Mental Health Teams (LGUMHT)
The suggested members of the LGUMHT are the local health board members, technical health
staff, civil society groups, non-government organizations and other stakeholders. Primarily, the
LGUMHT enacts necessary legislative issuances and promotes and advocates the
implementation of Community-based Mental Health Program among their respective localities
and constituents.
5. Other Partners and Stakeholders
Other stakeholders who may or may not belong to the above-mentioned committees or teams
may contribute to the implementation of the National Mental Health Program by:
Ensuring the availability of competent, efficient, culturally and gender-sensitive
health care professionals who provide mental health services;
Identifying mental health needs of the population and refer findings to the
appropriate mental care provider; and
Promoting and advocating for the implementation of the program within their
respective areas of responsibility.
II. Scenario
Global Situation:
Many people with mental health conditions, as well as their families and caregiver, experience
the consequences of vulnerability on a daily basis. Stigma, abuse, and exclusion are all-too-
common. Although their vulnerability is not inevitable, but rather brought about their social
environments, over time it leads to a range of adverse outcomes, including poverty, poor health,
and premature death.
Because they are highly vulnerable and are barely noticed- expert to be stigmatized and deprive
of their rights- it is crucial that people with mental health conditions are recognized and targeted
for development interventions. The case for their inclusion is compelling. People with mental
health conditions meet vulnerability criteria: they experience severe stigma and discrimination;
they are more likely to be subjected to abuse and violence than the general population; they
encounter barriers to exercising their civil and political rights, and participating fully in society;
they lack access to health and social services, and services during emergencies; they
encounter restriction to education; and they excluded from income-generating and employment
opportunities. As a cumulative result of these factors, people with mental conditions are at
heightened risk for premature death and disability. Mental health conditions also are highly
prevalent among people living in poverty, prisoners, people living with HIV/AIDS, people in
emergency settings, and other vulnerable groups.
Attention from development stakeholders is needed urgently so that the down-ward-spiral of
even-greater vulnerability and marginalization is stopped, and instead, people with mental
health conditions can contribute meaningfully to their countries development.
As a starting point, development stakeholders can consider carefully the general principles for
action outlined in this report, and decided how best to incorporate them into their specific areas
of work. Targeted policies, strategies, and interventions for reaching people with mental
conditions then should be developed, and mental health interventions should be mainstreamed
into broader national development and poverty reduction policies, strategies, and interventions.
To make implementation a reality, adequate funds must be dedicated to mental health
interventions, and recipients of development aid should be encouraged to address the needs of
people with mental health conditions as a part of their development work. At country level,
people with mental health conditions should be sought and supported to participate in
development opportunities in their communities.
Specific areas for action address the social and economic factors leading to vulnerability. Mental
health services should be provided in primary care settings and integrated with general health
services. To that end, mental health issues should be mainstreamed on countries broader
health policies, plans, and human resource development, as well as recognized as an important
issue to consider in global and multisectoral efforts, such as the International Health
Partnership, the Gloring Health Workforce Alliance, and the Health Metrics Network. During and
after emergencies, development stakeholders should promote the (re)construction of
community-based mental health services, which can serve the population long beyond the
immediate aftermath of the emergency. Development strategies and plans should encourage
strong links between health/mental health services, housing, and other social services. Access
to education for people with mental conditions, as well as early childhood programmes for
vulnerable groups should be supported by development stakeholders in order to achieve better
development outcomes. People with mental health conditions should be included in employment
and income generating programmes to assist with poverty alleviation, improve autonomy and
mental health. Throughout their different areas of work, development stakeholders can and
should support human rights protections for people with mental conditions and built their
capacity to participate in public affairs.
This report provides a number of recommendation and specifics areas of action that need to be
integrated into policy, planning, and implementation by development stakeholders according to
their role and strategic advantage. To achieve this aim development stakeholders need to
recognize people with mental health conditions as a vulnerable group requiring support from
development programmes.
(World Health Organization and Mental Health and Poverty Project, 2010)
Local Situation
In a local baseline survey in 1964-67 in Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga, Manapsal of the DOH
Division of Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Disease Control, found that the prevalence of mental
health was 36% per 1,000 adults, children and adolescents. The 1980 WHO Collaborative
Studies for Extending Mental Health Care in General Health Care Services (involving seven
countries) showed that 17% for adults and 16% of children who consulted at three health
centers in Sampaloc, Manila have mental disorders. Depressive reactions in adults and
adaptation reaction in children were most frequently found. In Sapang Palay, San Jose Del
Monte, Bulacan, the prevalence of adult schizophrenia was 12 cases per 1,000 population in
1988-1989 (Manalang et al).
In Region 6 (Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Antique), Perlas et al. im 1993-94 showed that the
prevalence of the following mental illness in the adult population were: psychosis (4.3%),
anxiety (14.3%), panic (5.6%). For the children and adolescent, the top five most prevalent
psychiatric conditions were: enuresis (9.3%), speech and language disorder (3.9%), mental
subnormality (3.7%), adaption reaction (2.4%) and neurotic disorder (1.1%).
The current DOH bed capacity for mental disorder is 5,465. Of these, 4,200 beds are in the
NCR (at the National Center for Mental Health). The rest of the country share the remaining
1,265 beds (CAR-40 beds, Region 2-200 beds, Region3-500 beds, Region 11-200 beds).
Regions 1,4,10,12, CARAGA and ARMM do not have inpatient psychiatric facilities. Only 27
DOH medical centers and regional hospitals have mental health services. Cavite is the only
province with a psychiatric facility.
These situations have hampered the delivery of basic services, aborted the national
development, and reduced quality of life of the Filipino. Life has become severely stressful to
most, whether rich or poor, young or old. The resiliency of the Filipino people to adapt to his
present life situation is being stretched too far. Warning signs of restlessness abound such as
increasing reports of suicides and substance abuse. Decline in the socio-economic condition
may translate into mental-ill health and therefore mental health disorders and mental disabilities.
However, the provision of mental health services in the country, has remained illness-oriented,
institution-based, fragmented, inadequate, inequitable, inaccessible, prohibitive, and neglected.
The Department of Health (DOH), the national lead agency for health recognizes the magnitude
of the mental health problem as contained in the National Objectives for Health (NOH) 1999-
2004. Among the objectives are set the following:
- Reduction of morbidity, mortality, disability and complications from mental disorder
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle through the promotion of mental health and less stressful life.
However, the DOH has constraints in attaining these objectives given the limited government
resources. Within the health sector, mental health has to compare for resources against other
equally important health objectives. Concomitant reforms are therefore being pursued in
hospitals, public health, local health systems, regulation as well as financing with the end-view
of improving the health of all Filipinos as embodied in the Health Sector Reform Agenda.
Statistics/Local data about the disease program
Disorder Number of Cases % 95% CI
Specific Phobias 93 19 15.98, 23.1
Alcohol Abuse 31 6 4.56, 8.96
Depression 14 3 1.74, 4.8

Number of Diagnosis No. of Respondents %
One Diagnosis 56 12
Multiple Diagnosis 66 15
2 Diagnoses 32
3 Diagnoses 7
>/=4 Diagnoses 27
Total 122 27

*Department of Health (DOH) and Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni
Foundation Incorporated (FETPAFI)

III. Interventions/ Strategies employed or implemented by DOH
The National Mental Health Program has the following program strategies:
1. Health Promotion and Advocacy
Enrichment of advocacy and multimedia information, education and community (IEC) strategies
targeting the general public, mental health patients and their families, and service providers
shall be done through the promulgation of observances issued by the Office of the President.
2. Service Provision
Enhancement of service delivery at the national and local levels will enable the early recognition
and treatment of mental health problems. To ensure continuity of care, mental health services
for people with persistent disabilities shall be established close to home and the workplace.
3. Policy and Legislation
The formulation and institutionalization of national legislation, policies, program standards and
guidelines shall emphasize the development of efficient and effective structures, systems, and
mechanisms that will ensure equitable, accessible, affordable and appropriate health services
for the mentally ill patients, victims of disaster, and other vulnerable groups.
4. Encouraging the development of a research culture and capacity
The program shall support researches and studies relevant to mental health, with focus on the
following areas: clinical behavior, epidemiology, public health treatment options, and knowledge
management. It aims to acquire evidence-based information that will contribute to the public
health information and education, policy formulation, planning, and implementation.
5. Capability Building
The capability of national, regional and local health workers in delivering efficient, effective and
appropriate mental health services shall be strengthen. Training shall be conducted on
psychosocial care, the detection and management of specific psychiatric morbidity, and the
establishment of mental health facilities.
6. Public-Private Partnership
Inter-sectoral approaches and networking with other government agencies, non-government
organizations, academe and private service providers and other stakeholders at the locals,
regional and national levels shall be pursued to develop partnership and expand the
involvement of stakeholders in: a.) advocacy, promotion and provision of mental health services;
b.) conduct of relevant studies, researches and surveys; c.) training of mental health workers;
d.) sharing of researches, data and other information on mental issues and concerns; and e.)
sharing of resources.
7. Establishment of data base and information system
This is needed to determine the magnitude of the problem, its epidemiological characteristics
and knowledge and practices to serve as basis for shifting the program for being institutional
and treatment focused to being preventive, family focused and community oriented.
8. Development of model programs
Best practices/models for prevention of substance abuse and risk reduction for mental illness
can be replicated in different LGUs in coordination with other agencies involved in mental health
and substance abuse prevention programs.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
A regular review process shall be conducted. Results of program monitoring and evaluation
shall be used in formulating and modifying policies, program objectives and action plans to
sustain the mental health initiatives and ensure continuing improvement in the delivery of mental
health care.
Program Direction
Micro Point of View
Major Activities/Celebrations:
Celebration Date
Autism Consciousness Week
Every 3
rd
Week of
January
National Mental Retardation Week February 14 to 19
National Epilepsy Awareness Week
Every 1
st
Week of
September
National Mental Health Week
Every 2
nd
Week of
October
National Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Awareness Week
Every 3
rd
Week of
October
Substance Abuse Prevention & Control Week
Every 3
rd
Week of
November
V. Future Plan/ Action
- 2 Batches of Training on Promotion Mental Health in the Communities
- 1 Batch of Training on Psychosocial Intervention
- Series of lecture on Suicide prevention in different Schools & Colleges
- Mental Health Summit in celebration of World Mental Health Day

Partner Organizations/Agencies:
The following organizations/agencies partake in achieving the vision of the program:
Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA)
Suite 1007, 10
th
flr. Medical Plaza Ortigas Condominium
San Miguel Ave. Ortigas Center Pasig City
# (632) 635-98-58.

- Dr. Constantine Della
President
Contact no. 0922-8537949
Email Add.: constantine.della@dlsu.edu.ph

- Dr. Romeo Enriquez
Vice President
Contact no. 0933-5794140/ 0920-9053041
Email add: pnasop@yahoo.com

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
Nuevo de Pebrero St. Mauway, Madaluyong City
# (632) 531-90-01
-Dr. Bernardino Vicente
Medical Center Chief
Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)
No. 18 East Avenue, Quezon City 1100
# (632) 921-49-58; (632) 921-49-59
-Ms. Regina De Jesus
National Executive Director

Christoffel Blindenmission (CBM)
Unit 604, Alabang Business Tower
1216 Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park
Alabang, Muntinlupa City 178
# (632) 807-85-86; (632) 807-85-87

-Mr. Willy Reyes
Contact no. 0905-4142608

Program Managers:
Mr. Melson Mendoza
Email: nelmend2000@yahoo.com

Ms. Remedios Guerrero
Email: jing_s_guerrero@yahoo.com

Ms. Ditas Purisima Raymundo
Email: ditasturiano@yahoo.com
Department of Health-Non Communicable Disease Office (DOH-NCDO)
Contact Number: 651-78-00 local 1750-1752