Sustaining Mental Health Programmes in Philippine Higher Education Institutions: Aligning Policies, Evaluating Impact and Responding to COVID-19 Challenges
Year: 2026
Type: article
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
DOI: 10.26529/cepsj.2122
Institutions: Philippine Normal University, National University
Language: English
Topic: Student Stress and Coping
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125828958