In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month and National School Safety Week.
On Thursday, October 15, Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the mass oath-taking for 339 newly appointed School Counselor Associates (SCAs) in the National Capital Region (NCR),
Held in Makati City, the official said that creating a safe and supportive learning environment requires both physical security measures and a concern for mental health.
The 339 newly appointed SCAs will be assigned to all Schools Division Offices in the NCR. The swearing-in ceremony was also attended by 36 current Guidance Counselors.
“Our goal is not only to ensure that our schools are safe, but also loving, like a second home and a second family to our children, many of whom come from far from ideal family situations,” Angara said, who also reminded the new SCAs of the profound impact of their mission, urging them to be approachable and willing to listen with an open mind.
“I would like to thank you for taking up the challenge to serve our youth. With your help, our youth are in need of proper guidance, direction, maybe a sense of mission, and something to hope for,” Angara added.
Established under Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, the new position of School Counselor Associate 1 will address the shortage of guidance professionals in the country, while strengthening psychosocial support systems in public schools.
Under the supervision of School Counselors, SCAs will assist in the profiling of students, initial assessment, psychosocial support, career guidance, and referral processes for students, families, and school staff.
Meanwhile, to expedite their assignment, the DepEd has shortened the process of recruiting and accepting SCAs to just 36 days. Currently, 5,445 out of the 10,000 authorized SCA positions have been assigned nationwide.
MENTAL HEALTH CARAVAN
Alongside that, a Mental Health Caravan at Marikina Elementary School was also conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and other partner groups such as the Psychological Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Psychiatric Association, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which featured interactive booths and special trainings for students, parents, and school staff.
There was also a session called “Building Resilience for a Healthier YOUth,” which trained student leaders and peer navigators on practical skills for mental resilience, stress management, and anti-bullying strategies.
For parents, the Philippine Psychiatric Association led the “P.A.C.T. – Parents and Classrooms Together” module, which focused on identifying different forms of school violence, cyberbullying, and other safety threats, as well as fostering open communication at home.
Teachers and staff also participated in the “Mental Health First Aid Foundation” workshop organized with MindNation, where programs for mental health at work and peer support were introduced.
Meanwhile, current Guidance Counselors participated in a session on the principles, roles and responsibilities, and procedures for delivering mental health and counseling services in schools.
These measures are part of the DepEd’s broader mandate under DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2026 or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.
