The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday strengthened its mental health support system for students with the nationwide rollout of the enhanced Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline, now directly linked to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline for immediate intervention and counseling services.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the launch at General Tiburcio De Leon National High School in Valenzuela City, where officials introduced a two-way referral system aimed at providing faster and more professional assistance to learners facing mental health concerns, emotional distress, or protection-related issues.
Angara said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that students feel heard, protected, and supported.
“Sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, mahalaga sa atin ang bawat mag-aaral kaya nais nating iparamdam sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa at laging may handang makinig sa kanilang pinagdadaanan,” he said.
Under the upgraded setup, calls received through the Learners TeleSafe Helpline may now be directly referred to mental health professionals from the NCMH for crisis response and specialized care.
“Sa pag-uugnay ng ating #33733 Helpline sa mga dalubhasa mula sa NCMH, inilalapit natin ang kalinga at de-kalidad na healthcare sa bawat mag-aaral—dahil sa bawat tawag, tinitiyak natin na may katuwang sila tungo sa paggaling, kaligtasan, at panatag na kaisipan,” Angara added.
Students may access the helpline through #33733, mobile number 0945-175-9777, email, or Viber.
Supported by PLDT Inc.’s contact center solutions, the platform enables Learner Rights and Protection officers to immediately coordinate with mental health experts and other concerned offices for urgent intervention.
The rollout was conducted simultaneously in several parts of the country, including Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School in Iloilo City and Bulua National High School in Cagayan de Oro City.
Aside from launching the upgraded helpline, Angara also visited the school’s Learner Support Center, which combines guidance services and learner protection programs in one facility.
The event likewise featured the “YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan,” a joint initiative with PhilHealth that delivered medical, dental, and psychosocial services to around 200 members of the school community.
DepEd also welcomed 25 new members of the school’s Peer Hub program. The student volunteers, trained by MentorHealth Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University, are tasked with providing peer-to-peer emotional support for fellow learners.
Grade 12 student Zeus Embalsado said students are often more comfortable opening up to classmates, making peer-led support an important part of the school’s mental health initiatives.