Senator Risa Hontiveros, author and principal sponsor of the Philippine Mental Health Act or Republic Act No. 11036, inspired Lasallians to remain hopeful as she called on the community to break the stigma surrounding mental health in her talk at the University on September 19.
The event, held in line with Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, reaffirmed the University's commitment to holistic education and mental health advocacy which aligns with Sen. Hontiveros’ chairmanships in the Senate on Health, Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality.
Before addressing the wider Lasallian community, the senator led an intimate participatory dialogue with University stakeholders at Museo De La Salle, tackling pressing concerns of today’s generation.
Hontiveros expressed her appreciation to the Lasallian community and the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines for their collective statement and appeal against corruption in the country.
Despite challenges such as corruption, governance issues, and threats to democracy, Hontiveros stressed the importance of hope, pointing to grassroots initiatives in Negros as signs of resilience and hope.
“It is my duty as an activist to be hopeful, and that's what I have felt this whole day in Bacolod [...] People are holding on to hope, and people are creating hope,” she said.
Furthermore, she reaffirmed her role as principal sponsor of the RA 11036 and praised today’s youth for their courage in seeking help and speaking out about mental health.
“Your generation is brave enough to talk about and to ask for help [..] Because that courage, vulnerability, and that strength you have as a human being, that's what also gives us hope,” she added, emphasizing that society is gradually becoming more open to address mental health issues.
Meanwhile, during the talk at the St. La Salle Coliseum, Sen. Hontiveros shed light on the continuing struggle of Filipinos to access proper mental health care despite the passage of RA 11036 in 2018.
Hontiveros underscored that while the law marked progress, its promise remains unevenly felt across the country.
“Hindi lahat ng syudad at hindi lahat ng barangay sa bawat syudad ay mayroong full range of psychiatric, psychosocial, and neurologic mental health services […] Filipinos with mental health needs to get that help,” she said.
On the other hand, she highlighted generational differences, emphasizing that mental health was once taboo but is now being openly discussed.
“Kayo yung henerasyon ngayon who have more courage to speak about [mental health]. You're part of creating a more conducive environment na kapag humihingi kayo ng tulong, health is more available,” said Sen. Hontiveros, acknowledging that previous generations suffered in silence because of stigma.
As part of her continuing advocacy, the senator cited ongoing legislative efforts such as the proposed mental health and wellness leave for employees, which seeks to normalize rest and self-care as vital to well-being.
Meanwhile, Dr. Samantha Yasay, Director of the University’s Health and Services Center called on Lasallians to advocate for mental health by “creating safe spaces where students and colleagues can speak without fear or stigma.”
“Today, I invite each one of you to be a voice for mental health. Be an advocate for kindness.
Be the reason why someone feels heard, seen, and valued,” Dr. Yasay said.
The two-part dialogue, organized by the University’s Center for Linkages and International Affairs and the Office for Student Affairs, brought together USLS administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, guidance counselors, and student leaders.
