Charliemar E.

Solmia

Public Fiscal Administration Reaction Paper

I. Summary/ Sypnosis/ Synthesis

Mental health is defined as "a state of well-being in which every individual realizes

his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work

productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community".

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 100 million people

suffer from mental disorders in the Western Pacific region, including the Philippines,

with depressive disorders accounting for 5.73% of mental disorders in the region. In

2004, over 4.5 million cases of depression were reported in the Philippines, according

to the Department of Health (DOH). But that number is likely to be much higher, since

many of those suffering from depression hesitate to seek help because of the stigma

still surrounding mental disorders.

In Region XIII CARAGA, 2017 data from police reports on suicide cases point out

that a number of those succumbing to suicide deaths were aged between 13 and 18

years old, and mostly college students. In 2018, response with this increase of deaths

and reported issues on mental health and depression President Rodrigo Duterte

signed Republic Act No. 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law that would secure,

among others, the rights and welfare of persons with mental health needs. Hence, with

good doings of our government problem is mental Health program sadly has poor

public impact on local level.

 II. Analysis/ Evaluation

It is apparent that pursuing an effective mental health program in the Philippines

are in place. In some ways these changes have advanced the understanding of mental

health problems so that other agencies and departments have initiated mental health

programs relevant to their special needs. The challenge is motivating professionals

especially those who studied in the field of psychology and social work to stay in the

country and sustain their duties, especially in the community setting, because the

country is continuing to lose to overseas employment. The Philippines has a

constitutionally created Human Rights Commission, but the body should have the

authority to oversee regular inspections and provide sanctions. The majority of mental

health facilities are still located in the National Capital Region.

Hence, access to mental health facilities is uneven across the country, favouring

those living near the main cities. In terms of support for child and adolescent health, a

psychosocial care system in schools has been established through collaboration with

the Department of Health and different government agencies and NGOs. However,

psychosocial support in schools is mainly delivered by teachers and only a few schools

have part-time or full-time mental health professionals.

III. Your Reactions

In Tandag City as much as it gives importance to mental health the Local

Expenditure Program of January 1 to December 31, 2019 shows that there is a minor

budget on the mental health program allocation of Tandag City Health Office to its

people. The reality of which that even RA 11036 existed it was not exercised in the

local arena. Health programs that have been given importance are the ones that

physically seen in public. Sadly, little dared to look up the problem hidden in people’s
emotional well-being. With City’s vision of “Sustainable quality health service to all

Tandaganons through advocacy, planning and committed partnership” a slight of

which gives importance on the mental health awareness specially to the young ones.

As the implementation of the RA 11306 in national level the mental health law will

advocates for the integration of mental health care in the basic health services, calls

for local government units (LGUs) to ensure that mental health services are provided

in primary health care facilities and hospitals in their jurisdiction. The Department of

Health shall also provide assistance to LGUs with medical supplies and equipment

needed by health workers in the barangay level to carry out their functions in the

promotion of mental health.

It is a boon to the Filipinos for it correspond with the emotional struggles of others

but for my opinion it is not well introduced in the local government of Tandag City. Poor

advocacy has been done. For the masses comfort, Tandag City annually conducted a

barangay visit which happens twice in a year where basic services are gathered and

jointly delivered to each barangay including advocacies. Sadly, as I’ve witnesses this

great activity no advocacies were done in relation to mental health. People who needs

support especially on grassroots level doesn’t have knowledge on the advantage of

getting treated through mental health services. I hope that one day issues on mental

health program will given its priority. Advocacy must be strengthened and people need

to open their mind on the possible jeopardy because of ignorance in mental health

crisis.
References:

 Genie Celini D. Nuevo (2018, Octoberv23). The Mental Health Act: A Boon

to Filipinos. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/the-mental-

health-act-a-boon-to-filipinos/

 Erwin M. Mascarinas (2017, April 27). DOH wants more studies done on

mental health and suicides. Retrieved from

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/139131

 Interaksyon (2017, April 30). DOH Caraga seeks research to address

depression, mental health issues among students in the region. Retrieved

from http://www.interaksyon.com/breaking-news/2017/04/30/69232/doh-

caraga-seeks-research-to-address-depression-mental-health-issues-

among-students-in-the-region/

 Maila Ager (2018, June 21). Duterte signs PH Mental Health Law. Retrieved

from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1002845/breaking-duterte-signs-ph-

mental-health-law