Why it matters
Mental health challenges are surging, especially among the youth. A recent study estimates that seven million to 12.5 million Filipinos suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Cases grow by about 2 percent annually, with the sharpest increase seen among those aged 15 to 19 years old.
What they’re saying
“We firmly believe that mental wellness is a fundamental human right, not a luxury reserved for a few,” said Jaeger Tanco, PhilCare president and CEO.
“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.”
How it works
The initiative integrates UP-PGH’s medical expertise with PhilCare’s tech-enabled platforms:
HeyPhil 2.0 – a mobile app that allows users to book teleconsultations with licensed mental health professionals and access a wide range of PhilCare’s health services.
Mindscapes – a digital wellness program that offers self-care tools, educational resources, and emotional support to help Filipinos manage stress and improve well-being.
Through these platforms, Filipinos can receive expert-backed guidance from anywhere—extending mental health care beyond hospital walls.
Between the lines
UP-PGH, a leader in patient care and medical education, provides the clinical backbone for the initiative. PhilCare, a member of the Philippines First Insurance Group, is tasked with expanding reach and accessibility through technology.
The partnership also emphasizes community support, offering not only medical consultations but also psychosocial care, values formation, and a safe space to discuss mental wellness openly.
The big picture
PhilCare and UP-PGH’s collaboration reflects a growing movement to normalize mental health conversations and bridge care gaps in the Philippines.
Both institutions stress that a healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy life, and that community-driven solutions are key to long-term impact. —Ed: Corrie S Narisma
