A measure has been filed in the Senate seeking to expand guidance counseling and mental health support services for students amid growing concerns over depression, anxiety, bullying, and other psychosocial issues affecting Filipino learners.
Senate Bill No. 2133, or the proposed Students’ Guidance Counseling Act, aims to strengthen school-based mental health programs by ensuring that educational institutions have trained personnel, referral systems, and intervention mechanisms for students in need of support.
The proposal comes as studies show worsening mental health concerns among young Filipinos. Research published by Cambridge University Press found that moderate to severe depressive symptoms among Filipinos aged 15 to 24 more than doubled over an eight-year period.
The bill also seeks to address the severe shortage of guidance counselors in the country. The current counselor-to-student ratio in the Philippines is estimated at around 1:14,000, far from the global standard of 1:250.
Thousands of guidance counselor positions in public schools also remain vacant, according to the Department of Education, limiting the ability of schools to provide timely assistance to students facing emotional distress, academic pressure, family problems, bullying, depression, and anxiety.
Under the proposed law, schools would be required to strengthen guidance and counseling services through the appointment of qualified counselors and the hiring and continuous training of at least one associate counselor or school social worker in public schools.
The measure also promotes mental health and wellness programs, improved referral networks, and early intervention systems for learners who need specialized care.
Supporters of the bill said early detection and timely response are crucial in helping students cope with mental health challenges before these affect their studies, relationships, and long-term well-being.
The proposal also aims to make schools safer and more supportive environments where students can seek help without fear of stigma.
By providing more trained personnel and stronger support systems, the bill seeks to help schools respond more effectively to the mental health needs of Filipino learners and ensure that students receive proper guidance, care, and protection.