Gatchalian pushes faster hiring of school counselors

Senate President Win Gatchalian has urged the Department of Education to immediately hire School Counselor Associates as cases of violence in schools continue to rise.

The 2026 national budget earmarked P2 billion for the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associates under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

“Naglaan tayo ng pondo para sa pagkuha ng mga School Counselor Associate upang gabayan ang mga mag-aaral sa paghubog ng mabuting asal at matiyak ang kanilang maayos na kalagayang pangkaisipan at emosyonal,” Gatchalian said.

The new positions aim to help address the shortage of guidance counselors and strengthen mental health programs in public schools.

Applicants must have a degree in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, or related fields with the required academic units and supervised practicum.IMT