Iloilo City made history as it welcomed the first Asian edition of the 4th Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum, bringing together specialists from over 70 countries to discuss policies, funding, and mental health rights. The three-day event, held at the Iloilo City Convention Center from February 2 to 4, was convened by the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN) in partnership with #MentalHealthPH, the world’s largest civil society-led mental health advocacy platform. More than 500 stakeholders attended, including policymakers, practitioners, and advocates.
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A Platform for Learning and Collaboration
According to GMHAN, whose Secretariat is hosted by United for Global Mental Health, the timing of the forum is pivotal for the global mental health sector, following last year’s United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health.
“It’s also about networking. As a global mental health community, it’s important that we work well together and understand each other’s contexts,” Dr. Antonis Kousoulis, director of Partnerships and GMHAN Secretariat lead, shared with The Manila Times. He emphasized that no country has a perfect mental health system, and the forum aimed to encourage governments to focus on community-centered care, reduce stigma, and create policies that improve prevention and access, especially for youth and LGBTQIA+ populations.
“It is also about maximizing the learning both regionally and globally,” Dr. Kousoulis added, highlighting how the Philippines’ hosting provides lessons for the international mental health community. Discussions addressed key topics, including the shift from institutionalized care to community-based services, suicide prevention, decriminalization of suicide, sustainable financing amid global aid reductions, and climate-related mental health challenges among Filipino youth.
Addressing Gaps and Building Momentum
Michael Angelo Pereira, secretary general of MentalHealthPH, underscored the importance of evaluating the implementation of the Mental Health Act, passed in 2018. “One major gap is the workforce,” Pereira said, noting that the number of mental health professionals remains insufficient compared to the growing demand for services. “Another is service accessibility, since many services are still not accessible, which continues to be a dilemma,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Pereira acknowledged progress in recent years, including initiatives to reduce stigma and expand mental health programs across sectors. “There is still a pervasive stigma around mental health, but comparatively, from the previous years, we have seen changes and growth since the law’s passing,” he observed. He also highlighted almost a decade of continuous efforts from grassroots groups, civil society, and government agencies, which have strengthened the integration of mental health into primary health care and promoted preventive, community-based approaches.
Looking ahead, Pereira expressed optimism about the direction of mental health governance in the country. “We see a trajectory for a more responsive, more inclusive, and system-wide mental health governance—at least in this administration, and I hope it will be pushed and prioritized in the next administration,” he said.
By hosting this landmark forum, the Philippines not only positions itself as a regional leader in mental health advocacy but also inspires local stakeholders to prioritize mental wellness. Strengthening awareness, access, and policies ensures that more Filipinos can receive the care they need, ultimately contributing to healthier, more resilient communities nationwide.
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