P802M nakalaan para sa 2,000 bagong public school guidance counselors

PLANO ng national government na maglaan ng P802 million sa susunod na taon para kumuha ng total na 2,021 bagong guidance counselors para sa public elementary at high schools upang mapalakas ang mental health services ng Department of Education (DepEd).

“We are all for increased government spending to bolster the support system around every learner. A child who is struggling should have ready access to a trained school professional who can listen and help,” ayon kay House Minority Leader at 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan.

Sinabi ng mambabatas na napapanahon ang bagong alokasyon lalo na sa paglago ng pangamba sa isyu ng bullying, student mental health at threats of violence.

“Early intervention is critical. We should be able to recognize warning signs and provide help before a problem becomes a tragedy,” dagdag ni Libanan.

Sa panukalang 2027 national budget, maglalaan ng P802 million para sa pagbuo ng 1,800 bagong School Counselor Associate I positions at 221 bagong School Division Counselor positions para sa DepEd.

May importanteng papel aniya ang guidance counselors sa pagtulong sa mga guro, magulang at school administrators na maintindihan at matugunan ang estudyante na maaaring dumadanas ng emotional, behavioral o psychological difficulties.

“Guidance counselors are part of our first line of defense. They help our schools become safer and more supportive communities for children,” ani Libanan.

Hinikayat nito ang mga private elementary at high schools na mag-invest sa karagdagang professional guidance at counseling services

“We are counting on private elementary and high schools to also do their share. The well-being of our children is a shared responsibility,” aniya.

Ang dagdag na guidance personnel ay kasunod na rin sa naganap na dalawang barilan sa loob ng eskwelahan sa loob lamang ng dalawang buwan.

Noong Hunyo 22, dalawang estudyante na may idad 14 at 15 at armado ng 9mm Glock pistol at .38-caliber revolver ang namaril sa San Jose National High School sa Tacloban City, kung saan tatlo ang nasawi at ikinasugat ng 20 iba pa.

Nitong August 18, namaril ang isang 14-anyos na Grade 8 student sa high school building ng Ateneo de Zamboanga University sa Zamboanga City.

Binaril nito ang isang 15 anyos na Grade 10 student bago nagtungo sa fifth floor at doon nagpakamatay.

“These incidents show why we must invest not only in physical security but also in the emotional and psychological support available to our students. Prevention must begin long before a crisis occurs,” pagtatapos ni Libanan. (VINA de GUZMAN)