Mental Wellness in Focus: Camille Villar ‘s Bold Push for Teacher’s Well-Being
CAMILLE VILLAR – Senatorial hopeful Camille Villar is making mental health a cornerstone of her Senate campaign, with a strong focus on supporting the well-being of teachers.
As the May 12 national elections approach, Camille Villar is spotlighting mental health as a central theme of her campaign, highlighting its vital role in the lives of students and working professionals, particularly educators.
A long-time proponent of mental wellness, Villar advocates for recognizing mental and emotional health with the same seriousness as physical health. In a recent public address, she urged Filipinos to openly discuss mental health issues, stressing that the topic should no longer carry stigma or shame.
“Mental health is one of my core advocacies,” Villar stated. “It is not something that should be hidden, or become one’s source of embarrassment.”
Supporting this cause, she is campaigning for broader PhilHealth coverage of mental health services, aiming to make them more accessible, especially for disadvantaged groups. Her efforts coincide with the country’s observance of Mental Health Awareness Month this May.
“Isang paalala na ang kalusugang pangkaisipan ay kasing halaga ng pisikal na kalusugan. Isa ito sa mga pangunahing adbokasiya ko,” she emphasized.
Villar has also backed her advocacy through legislative action. During her tenure in the House of Representatives, she introduced House Bill No. 10933 or the “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act,” designed to provide comprehensive mental health support for educators.
“The welfare of our teachers directly impacts the quality of education,” she noted. “They deserve not only professional growth opportunities but also mental and emotional support.”
According to the report, as election day nears, Villar continues to promote a platform rooted in empathy, inclusive healthcare, and social support. She reminds voters of the strength found in community and mutual care: “Hindi ka nag-iisa. Nandito tayo para sa isa’t isa.”
Her mental health campaign aims not just to change policy but also to dismantle long-standing stigma surrounding emotional wellness in the Philippines.