By Ike Seneres
Mental health is increasingly becoming a major concern in the Philippines, with mounting evidence suggesting that the country is already amid a mental health crisis. Despite various efforts to address the issue, a combination of socio-economic, environmental, and systemic factors continues to exacerbate the situation. Climate Change and Mental Health: An Overlooked Factor While the impact of socio-economic struggles and the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is widely acknowledged, very few scientists and policymakers in the Philippines have explored the connection between climate change and mental health issues. Dr. John Janir Benzon Aruta is leading research in this area, arguing that climate anxiety can contribute to moderate or severe mental health conditions. Dr. Aruta highlights a critical concern: the lack of access to the internet in many parts of the country prevents people from learning about climate change and its mental health implications. Furthermore, research indicates that some victims of climate-related disasters feel betrayed by the government, a sentiment that can lead to depression and long-term psychological distress. Shortage of Mental Health Professionals One of the most pressing challenges in addressing the mental health crisis is the severe shortage of mental health professionals. As of 2023, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that there are approximately 1,530 registered mental health professionals in the country, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and other practitioners. However, the exact number of psychiatrists and psychologists separately remains unclear in public sources. This translates to fewer than one mental health worker for every 100,000 Filipinos, a dire statistic that highlights the urgent need for increased investment in mental health services. Without sufficient professionals, many individuals suffering from mental health conditions are left without proper care and support. The Philippine Mental Health Act: Progress and Gaps The Philippine Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036), signed into law in 2018, was a landmark step towards improving mental health services in the country. The law aims to: Strengthen leadership and governance for mental health policies and programs. Establish a comprehensive mental health care system. Protect the rights of individuals with psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial needs. Integrate mental health care into basic health services, educational institutions, workplaces, and communities. Despite these promising objectives, implementation has been slow. A lack of public awareness and inadequate funding have hindered progress. Many families of individuals struggling with mental health conditions remain unaware of where to seek help or what resources are available to them. The law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were issued in 2019, yet widespread dissemination of this information is still lacking. The Reality of Mental Health in the Philippines The crisis is reflected in statistics: Approximately 12.5 million Filipinos suffer from mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most common. 73% of Filipino Gen-Zs report struggling with mental health issues, highlighting a particularly vulnerable demographic. The COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened mental health issues, increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Reports indicate that 404 students died by suicide during the 2021-2022 academic year, a deeply alarming trend. Contributing Factors to the Crisis Several key factors exacerbate the mental health crisis: Stigma and Social Pressures: About 70% of individuals with mental health conditions feel pressured to hide their struggles due to societal expectations. Limited Resources: The severe shortage of mental health professionals makes accessing care incredibly difficult. Poverty and Socio-Economic Challenges: Financial stress and social inequalities contribute to poor mental health. Natural Disasters and Climate Change: Frequent calamities lead to trauma and psychological distress, with inadequate post-disaster mental health support. Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Mental health advocates stress the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackle the crisis. Some crucial steps include: Stronger Implementation of the Mental Health Act: The government must expedite the integration of mental health services into public health and ensure proper funding. Expanding Mental Health Services: The country needs more trained mental health professionals and community-based mental health programs. Public Awareness Campaigns: Greater efforts are needed to educate Filipinos about mental health and reduce stigma. Accessible and Affordable Care: Ensuring that mental health services are available in both urban and rural areas is crucial. Support for Climate-Anxiety Research: More focus should be placed on studying and addressing climate-related mental health issues. A Call for Collective Action The mental health crisis in the Philippines is real and urgent. While strides have been made through the Philippine Mental Health Act, challenges remain in ensuring its full implementation. Government agencies, mental health professionals, educators, and civil society must work together to create a system that values and prioritizes mental health. If left unaddressed, this crisis will continue to affect millions of Filipinos, diminishing quality of life and overall well-being. It is time for a whole-of-society approach to ensure that mental health services are accessible, affordable, and effective for everyone.
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CAN AI BE USED FOR NATIONAL BUDGETING?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being used effectively in personal and corporate budgeting. It can analyze spending patterns, predict future expenses, and provide actionable insights for financial management. If AI is proving successful in these areas, the question arises: can AI also be utilized for national budgeting? The answer lies in exploring its potential applications and addressing the challenges involved. The Potential of AI in National Budgeting 1. Data-Driven Appropriations: National budgets are complex and must account for mandatory requirements, such as the constitutional mandate for the education sector to receive the highest allocation. AI can analyze data to determine allocations based on objective needs, historical utilization, and actual demand. This ensures that resources are directed where they are needed most. 2. Alignment with Development Goals: AI can help align budget allocations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP). By analyzing progress data, AI can identify gaps and suggest targeted investments to achieve these goals more effectively. 3. Exclusion of Self-Sufficient Entities: Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) that are self-supporting and self-sustaining may no longer need to be included in the national budget. AI can assist in identifying such entities and reallocating resources accordingly. 4. Compliance with International Commitments: Certain budgetary allocations are mandatory to meet international commitments. AI can track these commitments and ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to comply with them. 5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: AI can conduct comprehensive cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the historical impact of public investments. This enables policymakers to prioritize projects with proven returns and significant social or economic benefits. 6. Investment in Digitalization: AI-driven insights can highlight the importance of progressive investments in digitalization and computerization, which are crucial for improving government efficiency and public service delivery. Engaging Stakeholders in the Budgeting Process The process of national budgeting should begin with public consultations, even before reaching the committee level. Government agencies proposing congressional funding should invite private sector stakeholders to participate in budget discussions. This collaborative approach ensures transparency and inclusivity while benefiting from diverse perspectives. Challenges and Considerations 1. Data Quality and Bias: The accuracy of AI-powered budgeting tools depends heavily on the quality of data. Ensuring unbiased, representative, and up-to-date data is critical. 2. Transparency and Accountability: While AI can assist in decision-making, the final responsibility must remain with human policymakers. Decision-making processes should be transparent and accountable to the public. 3. Ethical Implications: Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, must be addressed. There is also the need to mitigate the risk of job displacement resulting from increased automation. 4. Legislative Framework: In the United States, lawmakers are already drafting policies to regulate AI and maximize its benefits. The Philippines must follow suit to create a robust legal framework that governs the use of AI in public finance. Conclusion AI has the potential to revolutionize national budgeting by making it more data-driven, efficient, and transparent. However, its implementation must be guided by a clear strategy, robust governance, and ethical considerations. Ultimately, the success of AI in national budgeting depends on collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector. By leveraging AI responsibly, the Philippines can optimize resource allocation and pave the way for sustainable development.
