Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately utilize the P2 billion allocated under the 2026 national budget for the hiring of 10,000 school counselor associates.
He cited the need to strengthen student support systems amid growing concerns over violence in schools.
The funding was included in this year’s General Appropriations Act to support the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which requires the establishment of a School-Based Mental Health Program in public schools.
“Naglaan tayo ng pondo para sa pagkuha ng mga School Counselor Associate upang gabayan ang mga mag-aaral sa paghubog ng mabuting asal at matiyak ang kanilang maayos na kalagayang pangkaisipan at emosyonal,” Gatchalian said.
The senator emphasized the importance of deploying the personnel as soon as possible to help address students’ mental health and emotional well-being, particularly in the wake of recent incidents involving school violence.
The School Counselor Associate positions were created under Republic Act No. 12080 to help bridge the shortage of licensed guidance counselors in public schools.
Under the law, graduates of Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, and other related degree programs may qualify for the posts, provided they meet the required academic units and have completed supervised practicum or internship training in guidance and counseling.
Gatchalian said the hiring of additional school-based mental health personnel would help schools provide timely guidance, intervention, and support services for learners while promoting safer and more supportive learning environments.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Star
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