Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday led the launch of a strengthened lifeline for students during the nationwide rollout of the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (#33733), which now has a direct connection to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline.
During his visit to General Tiburcio De Leon National High School in Valenzuela City, Angara demonstrated how the Department of Education's two-way referral system ensures that students facing mental health crises or protection concerns can receive immediate professional assistance.
"Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, every learner matters to us, so we want them to feel that they are not alone and that someone is always ready to listen to what they are going through," Angara said. "By linking our #33733 Helpline with specialists from the NCMH, we are bringing care and quality healthcare closer to every learner—because with every call, we ensure they have support toward recovery, safety, and peace of mind."
The helpline can be reached through #33733 (#DEPED), 09451759777, email at weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph, or via Viber. With support from PLDT Inc., the helpline can now directly connect callers to NCMH experts for faster crisis response. DepEd's Learner Rights and Protection officers provide immediate guidance and assessment, address urgent concerns, and coordinate with relevant offices for prompt action.
Angara also toured the school's Learner Support Center, a facility that combines the Guidance/Care Center, Teen Center, and Learner Rights and Protection Desk to serve as a safe space for students. The activity in Valenzuela City is part of a simultaneous nationwide rollout, with parallel events at Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School and Bulua National High School.
During his visit, Angara observed the YAKAP and Kalinga Caravan, a joint initiative with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, which provided free medical, dental, and vision screenings, as well as psychosocial support and mental health activities to around 200 students, teachers, and parents.
He also welcomed 25 new members of the school's Peer Hub, composed of youth leaders trained by MentorHealth Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University to provide peer-to-peer mental health support and referral assistance. Grade 12 student Zeus Embalsado said the Peer Hub serves as a more approachable support system for students who may hesitate to open up to adults. "I saw the situation of my fellow students, where they sometimes cannot approach adults. That's why I decided to join—so they can reach out to fellow students where they feel more comfortable," he said.
Another Grade 12 student, Daphne Fernandez, shared: "My experiences pushed me to become part of the Peer Hub, and to inspire my fellow students—not just to inspire, but also to help our society in any way I can."
Angara also led an orientation for 40 parents on how to identify and respond to bullying. The program, supported by Ateneo de Manila University, used evidence-based materials to help parents guide their children and use school support channels. He also visited the school kitchen to observe the School-Based Feeding Program, where nutritious meals are prepared by the School Parent-Teacher Association for participants of the ARAL summer remediation program.
These interventions align with the Universal Health Care Act and the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act, both co-authored and championed by Angara during his time in the Senate.
