To address the rising mental health challenges among Filipinos, health maintenance organization (HMO) PhilCare has partnered with the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) to make expert-driven mental wellness programs more accessible to the public, particularly students and young people.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time. Recent studies estimate that between 7 million and 12.5 million Filipinos are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Alarmingly, the number of reported cases continues to grow by at least 2% annually, with young people aged 15 to 19 among the most affected. Experts say the figures likely underrepresent the actual situation, as many cases remain undiagnosed or unreported.
PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger Tanco emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “We firmly believe that mental wellness is a fundamental human right, not a luxury reserved for a few. This partnership is a monumental step in making that belief a reality. We are bringing the country’s leading mental health experts to people who need them most, no matter where they are. Our goal is to help Filipinos take charge of their mental health journey and remind them that they are not alone,” Tanco said.
The partnership highlights the strengths of both organizations. UP-PGH, recognized as a leader in medical education, research, and patient care, provides clinical expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PhilCare integrates this knowledge into its tech-enabled platforms, namely HeyPhil 2.0 and Mindscapes, ensuring that mental wellness support is available beyond hospital walls and right in people’s homes.
HeyPhil 2.0 gives users access to PhilCare’s comprehensive health services, including teleconsultations with licensed mental health professionals. With just a few clicks, individuals can connect with experts from the comfort of their own space. While Mindscapes, PhilCare’s digital mental wellness program, offers tools, resources, and educational content designed to help Filipinos manage emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Together, these platforms provide both preventive and responsive support, making mental health care less intimidating and more accessible.
The initiative also encourages Filipinos to engage with available digital resources. Those seeking support can follow Mindscapes Philippines on Facebook for wellness content and community interaction, or download the HeyPhil 2.0 app on Google Play and the App Store for direct access to mental health consultations and services.