As part of efforts to address the shortage of licensed guidance counselors and mental health professionals in the basic education sector.
During the National School Safety Week, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) joined forces to award scholarships to an initial batch of 230 public school personnel.
These personnel are beneficiaries of the Learning Initiatives for Nurturing Guidance Associates and Counselors Program (LINGAP), which is a joint initiative by both departments that has been designed to support the graduate studies and professional training of basic education personnel in the fields of Guidance and Counseling and Psychology.
LINGAP aims to increase the number of qualified mental health professionals in public schools and ensure adequate support for the safety, emotional well-being, and overall welfare of students.
Thus, for the Academic Year 2026–2027, the government has allocated P182.055 million for 870 scholarship slots under the General Appropriations Act. Then, following an evaluation, the Department of Education (DepEd) selected 327 nominees, with 230 endorsed to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as scholars.
The scholarship will cover tuition and other school fees. Each scholar will also receive a monthly allowance of PHP30,000, as well as a research allowance of up to PHP150,000.
Upon completing their graduate studies, the scholars are required to take the licensure examination and fulfill their obligation to serve in public schools.
According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the presence of qualified guidance counselors is essential for safeguarding the safety and well-being of students, especially in light of recent incidents concerning school safety such as the school shooting incidents that shocked the nation in the past few months.
He also noted that many guidance counselor positions across the country remain vacant due to a shortage of applicants who hold the required license.
Angara also urged the beneficiaries to maximize this opportunity not only for their own professional growth, but also to help foster a safer and more nurturing environment within schools.
“Gamitin ninyo ito hindi lamang para sa inyong sariling pag-unlad, kundi para maging bahagi ng solusyon sa pagbuo ng mas ligtas at mas caring na mga paaralan. Sama-sama nating tiyakin na ang bawat bata ay may paaralang ligtas, may malasakit, at may taong handang umalalay sa kanila,” the Education chief said.
The ceremonial awarding was held during the fourth Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee (JETMC) Meeting at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez were in attendance, alongside various lawmakers and education officials.
“When learners feel safe, supported, and guided, they are better able to learn, make informed choices, and pursue the opportunities ahead of them,” stressed Agrupis. “Through LINGAP, we are investing in the professionals who can help our students navigate challenges and move forward with confidence.”
CHED and DepEd also thanked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for facilitating the release of funds for LINGAP and vowed to continue coordinating to identify and endorse additional qualified personnel for the remaining scholarship slots.
Meanwhile, at the ceremony, nine scholars from the Schools Division Offices of Dumaguete, Tanjay, and Bayawan received their scholarship awards in person on behalf of all 230 awardees nationwide, while scholars from other parts of the country participated virtually.
The University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos was also recognized as the representative for all approved Delivering Higher Education Institutions tasked with the nationwide implementation of LINGAP.
