The government must fast-track the rollout of additional mental health personnel in public schools, considering the strong need to prioritize the mental well-being of Filipino learners amid growing concerns over bullying, violence, and other challenges affecting students, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stressed that the country already has a legal framework to institutionalize stronger mental health services in schools through Republic Act 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Law, which was enacted in 2024.

Go co-authored and co-sponsored the law in the previous Congress while Senate President Win Gatchalian principally sponsored the measure.

“We have raised that there are only about 4,069 licensed guidance counselors nationwide as of 2022. The country would need around 47,000 guidance counselors to meet the ideal ratio. We are very far from the requirement,” Go underscored.

“The mental health of our learners deserves the same attention as their physical health and academic development. We must ensure that every child has access to the support they need so they can learn, grow and reach their full potential,” added Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Youth.

Counselor picks

This came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his State of the Nation Address on 27 July, announced the deployment of the country’s first 10,000 School Counselor Associates to public schools. The initiative seeks to expand access to mental health services and address growing concerns over bullying, school violence and student well-being.

Go welcomed the announcement, saying it advances the welfare of learners and represents an important step toward the full implementation of the landmark legislation. He noted, however, that the country continues to face a shortage of mental health professionals. While the country lacks guidance counselors, Go believes hiring school counselor associates may help fill the gap.

“As lawmakers, we will continue to monitor the implementation of this law to ensure that our schools have the resources and personnel needed to protect the mental health of our students. The Executive Department must ensure that the law’s intended benefits reach learners across the country,” Go said.

Senator Bong Go has also filed Senate Bill 176, which seeks to establish mental health offices in all public higher education institutions nationwide. The bill aims to establish accessible counseling services and 24/7 mental health hotlines for students.