HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is pushing to sustain funding for student mental health and child protection programs in the proposed 2027 national budget amid renewed concerns over violence in schools.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, said the recent deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University highlighted the importance of continuing programs already funded under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

“Definitely because of the recent school shooting, I think these programs should continue,” Adiong said during an online press briefing, noting that incidents of violence in both public and private schools have become increasingly alarming.

The Ateneo de Zamboanga tragedy claimed the lives of two junior high school students, including the shooter, prompting lawmakers to revisit school safety and student welfare measures.

For 2026, Congress allocated P2.37 billion for DepEd’s school-based mental health program, including funding for additional personnel tasked with providing regular assessment and support services to learners.

The budget also created 10,000 School Counselor Associate positions to expand access to mental health services in schools.

Adiong said the initiative is designed not only to address students’ psychological well-being but also to combat bullying and prevent violence through targeted intervention programs.

As the House begins deliberations on the proposed P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget, lawmakers will require the Department of Education (DepEd) to report how much of the existing funding has been utilized and how many of the authorized positions have been filled.

He said the utilization rate and pace of hiring will determine whether the current allocations should be increased next year, stressing that appropriations must translate into actual personnel and services for students.

The lawmaker also pointed to the P89.92-billion child protection allocation in the 2026 DepEd budget, which supports programs aimed at safeguarding learners from abuse and other forms of harm.

Beyond mental health services, Adiong said the House will also assess whether schools have sufficient maintenance and other operating expenses to strengthen physical security, including the possible hiring of security agencies where necessary.

He emphasized that the Zamboanga shooting is not an isolated incident but part of a broader societal challenge that requires sustained investment in both student welfare and school safety.

“Whatever funding level is eventually approved, this will be a continuing program,” Adiong said.