The Department of Education (DepEd) is working with other government agencies to expand the pool of professionals who can provide socio-emotional support to public school learners.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the need for more mental health professionals in schools, especially guidance counselors and development pediatricians. He noted a significant shortage of these professionals, particularly for the country’s millions of learners with disabilities.

“We desperately need professionals who can shepherd and set up our students for success,” Angara said during a keynote speech at the Philippine Association for the Gifted Conference.

“Our goal is to further capacitate schools and teachers to assess gifted and talented learners effectively,” he added.

To address the issue of limited resources, the DepEd is exploring ways to relax regulations and allow qualified professionals, such as psychometricians, to temporarily fill the gap.

The agency is also investing in specialized schools for gifted and talented learners, with significant budget increases for the Philippine High School for the Arts and National Academy of Sports.

Angara expressed gratitude to the PAG for their support in training public school teachers and improving the quality of education for all learners.