Sustaining Mental Health Programmes in Philippine Higher Education Institutions: Aligning Policies, Evaluating Impact and Responding to COVID-19 Challenges

  • Allen Espinosa College of Advanced Studies, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
  • Teresita Rungduin College of Advanced Studies, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
  • Praksis Miranda Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
  • Edna Luz Abulon Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
  • Nikolee Marie Serafico-Reyes Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
  • Tito Baclagan Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
  • Ray-An Bautista National University Fairview, Philippines
  • Rosemarie Calma Independent Researcher, Philippines
  • Clarisse Mae Lopez Independent Researcher, Philippines
  • Ria Lorraine Pagliawan Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26529/cepsj.2122
Keywords: Mental Health Programs, COVID-19 Pandemic, Monitoring and Evaluation, higher education institutions, Philippine Mental Health Act

Abstract

This study investigates the sustainability of mental health programmes in Philippine higher education institutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the extent to which programmes align with the Philippine Mental Health Act, integrate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and respond to the needs of students, faculty and staff. Using a descriptive qualitative design, the study combines a scoping review of 23 institutional documents with focus group discussions involving key stakeholders. The findings reveal that higher education institutions prioritised awareness campaigns, counselling services and wellness initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of online counselling and preventive education. Programme implementation was, however, uneven: monitoring and evaluation systems were inconsistently applied, stigmatisation continued to limit help-seeking and access to services varied across institutions. Limited resources and institutional readiness further constrained programme sustainability. The study highlights the importance of embedding robust monitoring systems, expanding stigmareduction initiatives and ensuring equitable access to mental health services. Sustaining these programmes requires the alignment of systemic, motivational and behavioural strategies, so that mental health support becomes a lasting component of higher education practice

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Published
2026-01-27
How to Cite
Espinosa, A., Rungduin, T., Miranda, P., Abulon, E. L., Serafico-Reyes, N. M., Baclagan, T., Bautista, R.-A., Calma, R., Lopez, C. M., & Pagliawan, R. L. (2026). Sustaining Mental Health Programmes in Philippine Higher Education Institutions: Aligning Policies, Evaluating Impact and Responding to COVID-19 Challenges. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal. https://doi.org/10.26529/cepsj.2122
Issue
2026: Recently Accepted Papers
Section
VARIA

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