What it is
DepEd, under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, has been strengthening mental health and well-being programs for students nationwide. This effort coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month and National School Safety Week. The agency is also appointing new School Counselor Associates (SCA) to address the growing needs in schools.
Key points
- The new SCA position is established under Republic Act No. 12080, also known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
- The SCA serves as a vital link to address the shortage of guidance professionals in the country.
- Under the supervision of School Counselors, SCAs assist with student profiling, initial assessments, psychosocial support, career guidance, and referral processes for students, families, and school personnel.
- DepEd has shortened the process for SCA appointment to within 36 days.
- Currently, 5,445 out of 10,000 authorized SCA positions have been filled across the country.
- 339 newly sworn-in SCAs were appointed to all Schools Division Offices in the NCR.
Who is affected
The initiatives affect students, parents, and school personnel across the country. Specific activities included a Mental Health Caravan held at Marikina Elementary School, and an oath-taking ceremony for 339 new SCAs in Makati City.
What teachers should do
DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2026, provides the guidelines for ensuring a safe and motivating learning environment by combining physical security improvements with peer support programs and referral hotlines. Teachers are part of the community benefiting from these efforts, which include workshops on Mental Health First Aid Foundation and sessions for current Guidance Counselors regarding their roles in mental health services.
Source
Official source: deped.gov.ph