Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed support for the Senate’s push to speed up the hiring of School Counselor Associates in public schools, saying timely mental health interventions are needed to assist learners dealing with stress, bullying, family issues, and other personal challenges.

Go made the statement after reports that the Senate had urged the acceleration of hiring for School Counselor Associates, with the 2026 national budget allocating P2 billion for 10,000 positions under Republic Act (RA) 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

Go co-authored and co-sponsored the measure, which mandates the establishment of a School-Based Mental Health Program to strengthen student welfare in basic education.

“When it comes to the mental health of the youth, action should not be slow. Schools must have enough people who can listen, guide, and help students going through difficulties,” Go said.

Under RA 12080, the School Counselor Associate positions were created to address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools and support the implementation of the mental health program.

Based on the reported qualifications, applicants must hold 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 programs may also qualify if they have completed at least 18 units in Behavioral Science, along with 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship in guidance and counseling, preferably in school or community settings.

Go said hiring qualified personnel should be part of broader efforts to make schools safer and more responsive to students’ emotional and psychological needs.

“Many young people stay silent even if they are going through something heavy. If there are counselors or trained personnel in schools, they can be helped earlier. It’s better to intervene early than wait for problems to worsen,” he said.

The senator also underscored the need to expand mental health support beyond basic education, citing related efforts such as Senate Bill No. 176, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in State Universities and Colleges.

Go, who has long pushed for improved access to health services, said mental health programs should be available across all levels of education, especially for students who may not have access to private counseling or psychological care.

“Many young people stay silent even if they are going through something heavy. If there are counselors or trained personnel in schools, they can be helped earlier. It’s better to intervene early than wait for problems to worsen,” he said.

The senator also underscored the need to expand mental health support beyond basic education, citing related efforts such as Senate Bill No. 176, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in State Universities and Colleges.

Go, who has long pushed for improved access to health services, said mental health programs should be available across all levels of education, especially for students who may not have access to private counseling or psychological care.

“It is also important to look after college students, especially in state universities and colleges. If they are going through something, they should have somewhere to go, someone to talk to, and someone to help them,” he said.

He added that while laws and funding are important, their success depends on proper implementation, coordination, and the presence of qualified personnel in schools.

“A law is a big step, but what matters more is that students feel its impact. Services must reach schools, especially those who need help the most,” he said.