MANILA – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to promptly utilize the PHP2 billion earmarked in the 2026 national budget for the recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associates, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen student support services amid growing concerns over school-related violence.
The funding allocation, included in the General Appropriations Act, is intended to support the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. The law requires the establishment of a School-Based Mental Health Program aimed at promoting the psychological and emotional welfare of learners.
Gatchalian said the government has already provided the necessary funding to hire School Counselor Associates who will help guide students in developing positive behavior and maintaining healthy mental and emotional conditions.
The position was established under Republic Act 12080 to help address the lack of licensed guidance counselors in public schools nationwide.
Under the law, graduates of Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, and other related degree programs may qualify for the role, provided they meet academic requirements and complete supervised practicum or internship training in guidance and counseling.
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