Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has backed the Senate's call to accelerate the hiring of School Counselor Associates in public schools, saying students need immediate access to mental health support as the government begins implementing the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

Go issued the statement following reports that the 2026 national budget earmarked P2 billion for the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions under Republic Act No. 12080.

A co-author and co-sponsor of the law, Go said schools should have enough trained personnel to assist learners dealing with stress, bullying, family problems, and other personal challenges.

"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," Go said.

RA 12080 establishes a School-Based Mental Health Program and creates School Counselor Associate positions to help address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools.

Under the law, applicants must possess 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.

Go said filling the positions is part of the broader effort to make schools safer and more responsive to students' emotional and psychological needs.

"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.

The senator also stressed the need to strengthen mental health services beyond basic education, citing Senate Bill No. 176, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in state universities and colleges.

"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," Go said.

He added that while legislation and funding are important, their success ultimately depends on effective implementation and the deployment of qualified personnel.

"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 said.