Gatchalian calls for more guidance designates in schools to combat bullying

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on public schools to increase the number of guidance designates to combat bullying among students, following recent incidents that have allegedly turned fatal.

During a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing, Gatchalian recommended that the Department of Education review and adjust the ratio of guidance designates to learners.

Currently, only one guidance counselor or designate is assigned for every 500 learners, but many schools lack these personnel; data shows that out of 45,326 schools, 10,412 have no guidance designates.

Gatchalian sees the increase in guidance designates as a temporary solution until more licensed counselors are available to address student mental health needs.

The senator also emphasized the importance of implementing the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA No. 12080), which he authored, to develop school-based mental health programs for students.