The Department of Education has approved a 36-day hiring timeline for at least 10,000 school counselor associates amid incidents of school violence.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said psychosocial support will be expanded, mental health concerns will be identified and addressed early, and anti-bullying programs will be strengthened.
Angara called it a critical step toward achieving a safe, inclusive and caring learning environment.
He added that this is an important step in strengthening the mental health and overall well-being of learners and DepEd staff.
Despite the 2024 passage of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, no school counselor associates have been hired to date.
