Far Eastern University (FEU) presented concrete policy recommendations to strengthen Manila’s proposed Mental Health Ordinance, including the establishment of barangay-level psychosocial support hubs to bring mental health services closer to communities and reduce reliance on city hospitals.
FEU’s recommendations were presented during a hearing of the Manila City Council’s Committee on Laws on October 1, 2026, at the Manila City Hall Session Hall. The hearing reviewed Draft Ordinance No. 8981, authored by Councilor Arlene Maile Atienza, which seeks to strengthen and expand the coverage of Manila’s Mental Health Program.
Invited by Committee Chairman Councilor Atty. Jaybee S. Hizon, FEU Director of Community Relations Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz-Cada and Program Head for Graduate Studies in Psychology Dr. Eda Lou Ochangco served as expert resource persons during the deliberations.
Drawing on their legal, community engagement, and psychological expertise, the FEU representatives proposed the establishment and capacity-building of Barangay-Level Psychosocial Support Hubs to support early intervention and expand access to community-based mental health services.
During the hearing, Hizon recognized that the recommendation addressed an important gap in the draft ordinance. FEU also presented proposed policy modifications and discussed how universities could help train community workers to support early mental health intervention.
Beyond contributing to the legislative review, FEU offered to serve as an academic and training partner in developing community-based psychosocial support programs should the ordinance be enacted.
“This proactive collaboration highlights FEU’s ongoing commitment to sharing its academic rigor and research-backed insights to champion mental health awareness and legislative reform across the city,” said Atty. de la Cruz-Cada.