SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has underscored the urgent need to strengthen mental health programs in schools, stressing the importance of hiring more guidance counselors and psychologists to address growing concerns among students and teachers.

Speaking at the launch of the mental health awareness caravan Tara Usap, G!, Gatchalian noted that the Basic Education Mental Health Law allows psychologists to serve as guidance practitioners to help fill the shortage of counselors. Currently, there are only around 4,000 registered guidance counselors for over 47,000 schools nationwide.

“This will help us detect issues early, provide appropriate interventions, and refer students to psychiatrists when needed,” he explained.

He also cited the recent increase in the entry-level salary of guidance counselors—from Salary Grade 13 to Salary Grade 16—as a step toward attracting more qualified professionals to public schools.

While funds for hiring guidance counselors are available this year, Gatchalian admitted they remain limited. He said the 2026 budget is expected to provide more resources for mental health programs through the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH).

The senator vowed to conduct oversight to ensure proper use of the funds.

“It’s not just about having guidance counselors; we also need strong, effective programs for them to implement,” he said.