CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Region IV-A has established a regional mental health council that would set a standard of patients’ referral system. 

In a press release, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Calabarzon reiterated its commitment to provide every Filipino the basic rights to mental health as well as their fundamental rights that require mental health services as part of the holistic promise of the Universal Health Care (UHC). 

The regional mental health council aims to set a standard for patients’ referral system, which includes barangay health stations to rural health units and hospitals. 

"Mental Health is a serious matter that we must focus on, requiring a whole-of-government and a whole-of- society approach in framing mental health intervention. We know that the implementation of the Mental Health Act is a challenge, but we need to work together and face the problem to find a solution,” DOH CHD Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel Valencia said. 

Valencia continues, “We look forward to an inter-agency collaboration based on mutual respect, communication, and leadership that will assist us in identifying enablers and addressing the barriers to protecting the rights of Filipinos with mental health needs.” (PB/DOH CHD CALABARZON)