THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have awarded scholarships to 230 public school personnel to help address the shortage of licensed mental health professionals in basic education.

The scholars will pursue graduate studies in Guidance and Counseling and Psychology under the Learning Initiatives for Nurturing Guidance Associates and Counselors (LINGAP) Program, a joint DepEd-CHED initiative aimed at strengthening mental health support in public schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the importance of qualified guidance counselors in safeguarding learners’ well-being and creating safe, supportive learning environments, particularly in the wake of recent school safety incidents.

“Muli nating isinasabuhay ang panawagan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na kailangan nating magtulungan upang matiyak na ligtas, maayos, at tunay na nurturing ang ating mga paaralan. At para magkaroon ng ganitong learning environment, kailangang may taong handang makinig, umunawa, at maging sandalan ng ating mga learners,” Angara said.

Angara noted that many guidance counselor positions remain vacant nationwide due to a shortage of licensed applicants. Through LINGAP, DepEd personnel can pursue advanced qualifications and develop the expertise needed to help fill these gaps.

The ceremonial awarding was held Friday during the fourth Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee (JETMC) meeting at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

Also present were CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, along with lawmakers and other officials attending the meeting.

For Academic Year 2026–2027, LINGAP has funded 870 scholarship slots, backed by a ₱182.055-million allocation under the General Appropriations Act. Following a rigorous screening process, DepEd shortlisted 327 nominees and endorsed 230 scholars to CHED.