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. (WHO,1999). Mental health and well-being is a concern of  all because its promotion not only contributes to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also the attainment of a better quality of life. 

The Philippines has long been confronted with a volatile socio-economic condition compounded  by natural and man-made disasters, garbage crisis, drug menace and lately, the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, the provision of mental health services in the country has remained illness-oriented, institution  based, fragmented, inadequate, inequitable, inaccessible, prohibitive, and neglected.  

At present, the direction is to upgrade the facilities and to have a concept of community based  Mental Health program in order to address concerns related to Mental, Neurological and Substance use  (MNS) disorders. Through a comprehensive mental health program that includes a wide range of  promotive, preventive, treatment and rehabilitative services; that is for all individuals across the life  course especially those at risk of and suffering from MNS disorders; integrated in various treatment  settings from community to facility that is implemented from the national to the barangay level; and  backed with institutional support mechanisms from different government agencies and CSOs, we hope to  attain the highest possible level of health for the nation because there is no Universal Health Care without  mental health.

Sourced from: DOH-CHD-CAR Mental Health Program (February 2021)

A society that promotes the well-being of all Filipinos, supported by transformative multi-sectoral  partnerships, comprehensive mental health policies and programs, and a responsive service delivery  network.

Sourced from: DOH-CHD-CAR Mental Health Program (February 2021)

To promote over-all wellness of all Filipinos, prevent mental, psychosocial, and neurologic  disorders, substance abuse and other forms of addiction, and reduce burden of disease by improving  access to quality care and recovery in order to attain the highest possible level of health to participate  fully in society.

Sourced from: DOH-CHD-CAR Mental Health Program (February 2021)