BENGUET, Philippines – A total of 245 Benguet public school teachers are set to be trained as Mental Health First Responder-Coaches which aims create a stronger school-based support system for students and equipping educators to recognize and respond to mental health concerns.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguine Diclas said the program tet to begin this September, funded by the Provincial Government, will train the said permanent teachers as Mental Health First Responder-Coaches through the THOUGHT Mental Health First Responder-Coach Certification Program, which is a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based program under the AnchorED 1M Movement.

The Provincial Government of Benguet, through Governor Diclas, recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education- Schools Division Office of Benguet (DepEd SDO-Benguet) and BRYCE Consulting Services, Inc. for the implementation of the Mental Health Capacity-Building Program for the identified teachers.

Representing DepEd SDO-Benguet was Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Nover Keithly S. Mente, on behalf of Schools Division Superintendent Carmel F. Meris, while Annie Caguioa, AnchorED 1M Mission Partner, Lead–CAR, represented BRYCE Consulting Services, Inc. on behalf of Maria Bryce Fabro, Ph.D., CEO and President.

Governor Diclas said the Provincial Government of Benguet has allocated ₱2 million for the program, underscoring its commitment to strengthening mental health support for learners.

He emphasized that education must go beyond academic achievement and include the mental and emotional well-being of students. He added that the partnership with DepEd SDO-Benguet and the service provider will help foster safer and more caring schools where learners feel heard, understood, and supported.

Also witnessing the signing were Lucio B. Alawas, Chief Education Supervisor of School Governance and Operations Division, and Aladin M. Dobinto, Chief Education Supervisor of Curriculum Implementation Division.