0.00090909%.
This is the ratio of licensed psychiatrists to Filipinos, according to Atty. Renee Co, Executive Vice President of Kabataan Partylist, during the launch of Project Stigma at the University of Philippines (UP) Diliman last July 8, 2025.
“Currently, there are 110 million Filipinos, but there are only 1,000 licensed psychiatrists in the Philippines,” Atty. Co said in her message of support. These are the country’s first responders as it grapples with a mental health crisis, “incredibly under-equipped to ensure that this crisis ends.”
Project Stigma is a private-public initiative that removes the stigma surrounding mental health. Launched by The Platform News (TPN), government agencies, and other stakeholders, it provides access to mental health resources, aids legislation, and helps implement Republic Act (RA) 11036 or the “Mental Health Act.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis, the education system also played a huge role in amplifying the problem. School requirements became more difficult to comply with, burdening students and forcing them to make difficult decisions. Burnout is not just a social media buzzword: it’s the reality a lot of Filipinos face.
“This will continue on as you enter the workforce. As you create a family, as you suddenly are thrust into a system, in conditions that we have been ill-equipped to handle,” Atty. Co said. She revealed Kabataan Partylist’s renewed commitment to Project Stigma: a Resolution declaring a mental health crisis in the Philippines.
“Before the 19th Congress ends, nag-file tayo ng Resolution in relation to the case of a University of Santo Tomas (UST) student. Graduate na sana siya, pero sa higpit ng requirements, binagsak siya. Ang ending: he chose to take his own life.”
While tragic, Atty. Co soldiers on, knowing she can depend on everyone in ending the mental health crisis. The inverse of her initial statement must occur and she’s sure of it: 100% participation.
“I’m happy to share this space with professionals, institutions, allies, and stakeholders to show our united strength to end the mental health crisis. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating laban sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo at rekurso para sa kalusugang pang-kaisipan. At itigil ang stigma in relation sa usapang ito.”
