The hiring of School Counselor Associates in public schools should be accelerated to ensure timely mental health support for learners dealing with stress, bullying, family problems, and other personal difficulties, a senator said.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go made the statement after a report said the Senate had pressed the need to hasten the hiring of School Counselor Associates for public schools. The 2026 national budget allocates PhP 2 billion for the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associates I under Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
“Kapag mental health ng kabataan ang pinag-uusapan, hindi puwedeng mabagal ang aksyon. Dapat may sapat na tao sa mga paaralan na makikinig, gagabay, at tutulong sa mga estudyanteng may pinagdadaanan,” Go said.
Under RA 12080, the School Counselor Associate positions were created to help address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools and strengthen the implementation of the School-Based Mental Health Program.
Based on the reported qualifications, applicants for School Counselor Associate posts must have a bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology, or any bachelor’s degree with at least 18 units in either field. Graduates of related degree programs may also qualify if they have completed at least 18 units in Behavioral Science, including 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship in guidance and counseling, preferably in school or community settings.
Go said the hiring of qualified personnel should be treated as part of a wider effort to make schools safer, more responsive, and better equipped to address the emotional and psychological needs of students.
“Maraming kabataan ang tahimik lang pero may mabigat na pinagdadaanan. Kung may counselor o trained personnel sa paaralan, mas maaga silang matutulungan. Mas mabuti na maagapan kaysa hintayin pa na lumala ang problema,” he said.
The senator also stressed the need to strengthen mental health support beyond basic education. Among the related measures linked to his advocacy is Senate Bill No. 176, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in State Universities and Colleges.
Go, who has repeatedly pushed for broader access to health services as part of his health reforms crusade, said mental health programs should be available to students across different levels of education, especially those who may not have access to private counseling or psychological care.
“Mahalaga rin na matutukan ang kalagayan ng mga estudyante sa kolehiyo, lalo na sa ating mga state universities and colleges. Kung may pinagdadaanan sila, dapat may mapuntahan sila, may makakausap, at may tutulong,” Go said.
He added that while laws and funding are important, their impact will depend on proper implementation, coordination, and the presence of qualified personnel in schools.
“Ang batas ay malaking hakbang, pero mas mahalaga na maramdaman ito ng mga estudyante. Dapat makarating ang serbisyo sa mga paaralan, lalo na sa mga kabataang higit na nangangailangan ng tulong,” he added.