Senate President Win Gatchalian has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to expedite the hiring of School Counselor Associates amid rising incidents of violence in schools.

Gatchalian noted that the 2026 national budget includes P2 billion for the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080).

The law mandates the implementation of a School-Based Mental Health Program and created the positions to help address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools.

According to Gatchalian, the additional personnel will help guide students in developing positive behavior and support their mental and emotional well-being.

Qualified applicants must hold a degree in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, or related fields with the required academic units and supervised practicum experience in guidance and counseling.