The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday rolled out the enhanced Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline – #33733 – to protect learners’ mental health nationwide.
In line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure quality education and the welfare of learners, the helpline aims to provide a direct link to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline.
In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said learners with mental health struggles can access immediate professional intervention under the two-way referral system.
“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 (By linking the #33733 Helpline to professionals from the NCMH, we are bringing compassion and quality care closer to each learner),” he said.
“Dahil sa bawat tawag, tinitiyak natin na may katuwang sila tungo sa paggaling, kaligtasan, at panatag na kaisipan (Because in every call, we are ensuring that they have a partner towards recovery, safety, and peace of mind).”
The Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline may be contacted through #33733 (#DEPED), 09451759777 or via email weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph and Viber, for distressed callers to connect with NCMH specialists for expert crisis response.
“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 (Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, each learner is important for us, that’s why we want to make them feel that they are not alone and there’s always someone ready to listen to their struggles),” Angara said.
Meanwhile, DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection (LRP) officers provide immediate guidance and assessments while addressing urgent concerns and coordinating with appropriate offices. (PNA)
