Dr. Shirley Zipagan, the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Pampanga, strongly stated that schools are open and receptive to students facing mental health problems. She mentioned that young individuals dealing with depression can directly reach out to the Learners Welfare Division or visit the schools to talk to their adviser or guidance counselor in order to consult about their concerns.
Zipagan also mentioned that one of the agency’s advocacies is the mental health wellness of students. This is why the Learners Welfare Council was established to manage such cases firsthand.
It was also noted that the majority of depression cases or suicidal attempts occur in secondary schools, with one case reported in an elementary school.