Senator Bong Go expressed support for the Senate’s call to accelerate the hiring of School Counselor Associates for public schools, saying the timely implementation of mental health support programs is necessary to help learners who may be facing stress, bullying, family problems, or other personal difficulties.
Go made the statement following a report the Senate had pressed the need to hasten the hiring of School Counselor Associates for public schools.
The report said the 2026 national budget allocates P2 billion for the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associates I, in line with Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The veteran legislator co-authored and co-sponsored the measure that became RA 12080, which mandates the establishment of a School-Based Mental Health Program to promote the mental health and well-being of learners in basic education.
“Dapat may sapat na tao sa mga paaralan na makikinig, gagabay, at tutulong sa mga estudyanteng may pinagdadaanan.”
“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,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
Under RA 12080, School Counselor Associate positions were created to help address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools and support the implementation of the School-Based Mental Health Program.
Based on the reported qualifications, applicants for School Counselor Associate positions must hold 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.
The senator said the hiring of qualified personnel must be treated as part of the broader effort to make schools safer, more responsive, and more prepared to address the emotional and psychological needs of students.
“Maraming kabataan ang tahimik lang pero may mabigat na pinagdadaanan.”
“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.
Go also pointed to the importance of strengthening mental health support beyond basic education. Among the related measures identified in connection with his advocacy is Senate Bill No. 176, which concerns Mental Health Offices in State Universities and Colleges.
Go, who has consistently pushed for improved access to health services as part of his health reforms crusade, said mental health programs should be made available to students at different levels of education, especially those who may not have easy 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,” he said.
Go said that while laws and budget allocations are important, their effect will depend on proper implementation, coordination, and the presence of qualified personnel on the ground.
“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 concluded.
