THE NATIONAL government is proposing P802 million in the 2027 budget to hire 2,021 new guidance counselors for public elementary and high schools, as part of efforts to strengthen student mental health services amid growing concerns over bullying and school violence.

House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said the additional funding would help ensure that learners have access to trained professionals who can provide emotional and psychological support.

“A child who is struggling should have ready access to a trained school professional who can listen and help,” Libanan said.

Under the proposed 2027 national budget, the Department of Education (DepEd) will create 1,800 School Counselor Associate I positions and 221 School Division Counselor positions.

Libanan said guidance counselors play a vital role in helping teachers, parents and school administrators identify and respond to students experiencing emotional, behavioral or psychological difficulties.

He stressed that early intervention can prevent problems from escalating into tragedies, particularly as schools continue to grapple with mental health challenges and threats of violence.

The proposed expansion comes after two fatal school shooting incidents in less than two months.

In June, three students were killed and 20 others were injured in a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

In August, another shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University claimed the life of a Grade 10 student before the 14-year-old gunman took his own life.

“These incidents show why we must invest not only in physical security but also in the emotional and psychological support available to our students. Prevention must begin long before a crisis occurs,” Libanan said.

The lawmaker also urged private elementary and high schools to increase their investments in professional guidance and counseling services, saying the well-being of children is a shared responsibility.