SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to prioritize schools located in areas with the highest reported cases of bullying in the hiring and deployment of School Counselor Associates.

Gatchalian made the appeal following the release by the Civil Service Commission of the Qualification Standards for School Counselor Associate I, a position created under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

The measure seeks to address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools and strengthen the implementation of the School-Based Mental Health Program.

According to a study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), Regions XIII and IV-B MIMAROPA recorded the highest incidence of bullying in the country. These were followed by Regions XII, V, and I, underscoring the need for additional mental health support services in these areas.

Under the 2026 national budget, the government allocated P2 billion for the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions to expand access to mental health services in public schools.

“Sa pagsugpo natin sa bullying at karahasan sa mga paaralan, mahalagang unahin natin ang mga lugar na higit na nangangailangan ng tulong,” ani Gatchalian.

He added that prioritizing schools with the greatest need would ensure the effective use of government resources allocated for professionals who will lead the implementation of mental health programs for students.

The Senate President emphasized that the strategic deployment of School Counselor Associates in bullying-prone areas would help strengthen student protection efforts, improve access to psychosocial support, and promote safer learning environments nationwide.