In a major push to address the shortage of school mental health professionals in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) awarded scholarships to the first batch of 230 public school personnel under the Learning Initiatives for Nurturing Guidance Associates and Counselors Program (LINGAP).
A joint initiative between DepEd and CHED, LINGAP supports the graduate education and professional development of DepEd personnel in Guidance and Counseling and Psychology.
The initiative targets the nationwide shortage of licensed mental health professionals in basic education to create safer and more supportive learning environments.
“Sama-sama nating tiyakin na ang bawat bata ay may paaralang ligtas, may malasakit, at may taong handang umalalay sa kanila.”
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the crucial role of qualified counselors in ensuring learner safety and well-being, particularly following recent school safety incidents.
“Muli nating isinasabuhay ang panawagan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na kailangan nating magtulungan upang matiyak na ligtas, maayos, at tunay na nurturing ang ating mga paaralan. At para magkaroon ng ganitong learning environment, kailangang may taong handang makinig, umunawa, at maging sandalan ng ating mga learners,” Angara said.
Acknowledging that guidance counselor posts remain unfilled nationwide due to a lack of licensed applicants, Angara emphasized that LINGAP empowers DepEd staff to up-skill, earn higher credentials, and fill the gap.
The ceremonial awarding was held during the 4th Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee (JETMC 4) meeting at the Negros Oriental Convention Center on Friday.
The ceremony was also attended by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, along with key lawmakers and officials who took part in JETMC 4.
For Academic Year 2026–2027, the program has funded 870 scholarship slots through a PHP 182.055 million appropriation under the General Appropriations Act. Following a stringent screening process, DepEd shortlisted 327 nominees and endorsed 230 scholars to CHED.
Acknowledging that guidance counselor posts remain unfilled nationwide due to a lack of licensed applicants, Angara emphasized that LINGAP empowers DepEd staff to up-skill, earn higher credentials, and fill the gap.
Each scholar receives a comprehensive financial package that covers tuition and other school fees, a PHP 30,000 monthly living allowance, and up to a PHP 150,000 research allowance. Upon completing their graduate studies, grantees must take the licensure examination and fulfill professional service obligations in public schools.
“To our scholars: maximize this opportunity. Gamitin ninyo ito hindi lamang para sa inyong sariling pag-unlad, kundi para maging bahagi ng solusyon sa pagbuo ng mas ligtas at mas caring na mga paaralan,” Angara said. “Sama-sama nating tiyakin na ang bawat bata ay may paaralang ligtas, may malasakit, at may taong handang umalalay sa kanila.”
Angara expressed optimism that initiatives like LINGAP will encourage more Filipinos to pursue careers in counseling.
Nine scholars representing the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) of Dumaguete, Tanjay, and Bayawan attending in person received their awards on behalf of all 230 awardees nationwide, while the other scholars joined the ceremony virtually.
During the ceremony, the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (UNOR) also represented all approved Delivering Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) supporting the nationwide implementation of LINGAP.
