The Department of Education (DepEd) has conducted a nationwide rollout of Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline on May 11, 2026. 

The helpline has a direct connection with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).

According to the department, there are Learner Rights and Protection officers in charge of initial assessment and guidance, while coordinating the concern to the concerned agencies. 

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that this initiative is in line with the President’s directive on boosting mental health support for the youth.

“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,” he said via DepEd’s press release

Angara also mentioned that from a student’s home, he/she can seek help through a helpline.

“Walang pasukan, maaaring hindi siya school day or gabi na, tapos may anxiety attack ang bata, pwede siyang tumawag don,” he said

Learners and parents may seek help from the following DepEd Telesafe Helpline:

• #33733
• 0945 175 9777
• weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph

In a previous report, the vacant positions for guidance counselors reached 4,000; one of the factors is the high qualifications to be fit for a certain position, according to the education department.

As a response, the agency plans to hire a Guidance Counselor Associate, which may help to provide mental health support among students.

With reports from Mia Alonzo