The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has long acknowledged a fundamental truth: great schools begin with great people. Teachers, school leaders, and support staff form the backbone of the country’s education system. Their well-being—especially mental well-being—is essential to ensuring high-quality learning for millions of Filipino students.
In line with the global celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 9, DepEd is advancing a landmark effort: the development of the DepEd Employee Mental Health Policy (DEMHP). This major policy will serve as a comprehensive guide to protect, uplift, and sustain the mental health of all teaching and non-teaching personnel across the nation.
To make this policy grounded in reality and reflective of authentic experiences, DepEd is now calling for nationwide participation in an online DepEd Mental Health Survey. The voice of every employee matters—and the insights shared now will shape mental health support systems for years to come.
Why This Nationwide Mental Health Survey Matters
Mental health has become a global priority—especially in workplaces that demand high emotional, mental, and physical energy. For Filipino educators and staff, the past years have brought unprecedented challenges: remote learning struggles, classroom overcrowding, resource limitations, administrative load, and personal stressors intensified by economic pressures.
This survey aims to:
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Identify key stressors affecting DepEd employees
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Understand the mental health needs across various job roles
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Gather insights for building supportive structures
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Ensure that mental health programs are scientifically grounded and culturally relevant
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Guide the creation of a policy that genuinely helps employees thrive
By collecting first-hand experiences, DepEd ensures that the Mental Health Policy will not be a blanket document—but a responsive, evidence-based blueprint for improving employee well-being.
What the Survey Covers
All DepEd employees nationwide—teachers, administrators, division office staff, and regional office personnel—are encouraged to participate via this link:
🔗 Survey Link: bit.ly/DEMHP_MHSurvey
The survey will gather relevant mental health indicators including:
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Workload and work-life balance
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Stress levels and sources
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Access to mental health resources
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Coping mechanisms and resilience factors
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Well-being needs and recommendations
All data collected will undergo analysis and validation before informing the next stage: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
Next Steps: Focus Group Discussions Across the Country
After analyzing preliminary results from the survey, the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development – Employee Welfare Division (BHROD-EWD) will move forward with targeted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
These FGDs will be conducted in November 2025, engaging selected personnel from:
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Schools
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Schools Division Offices (SDOs)
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Regional Offices
The goal is to have the DEMHP built not only on survey data but also on the lived experiences of those who serve in the frontlines of education every day.
Your Privacy Is Protected
DepEd ensures strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). This means:
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All sensitive information is securely handled
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Personal data will not be disclosed without consent
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Data will be used solely for policy development and research purposes
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Responses will be kept confidential and analyzed ethically
Your honesty is vital—and your privacy is protected.
Why This Initiative Matters to US-Based Filipino Readers
For many Filipinos in the United States, education remains a strong emotional and cultural connection to home. Many have family who teach, work in schools, or study in the DepEd system. Ensuring that educators are mentally healthy contributes to:
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Improved classroom performance
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Better learning outcomes for Filipino students
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More sustainable careers for educators
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A stronger educational foundation for future generations
US-based readers—many of whom are familiar with workplace mental health programs abroad—can appreciate how significant it is for DepEd to champion mental well-being on a national scale. This initiative reflects a global shift toward prioritizing employee welfare and holistic support.
How DepEd Employees Can Support the Initiative
If you’re a DepEd employee:
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Take the survey honestly and thoughtfully
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Encourage colleagues to participate
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Serve as a proactive mental health advocate in your school or office
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Share concerns and suggestions that may improve workplace conditions
Your insights today will positively impact thousands of educators tomorrow.
A Stronger, Healthier Future for Philippine Education
The DepEd Employee Mental Health Policy (DEMHP) is more than a document—it is a commitment. A commitment to honor the dedication of teachers, administrators, and staff who serve the country’s learners with heart, resilience, and sacrifice.
By participating in the Mental Health Survey, every employee contributes to shaping a healthier, more supportive DepEd workplace. Together, we build not only better policies but a better future for Philippine education.
Now is the time to be heard.
Now is the time to care for the caregivers.
Now is the time to take part in this meaningful change.