President Marcos Jr. Orders More School Counselors to Strengthen Mental Health, Fight Bullying
A Major Pivot in School Mental Health Policy
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. unveiled a bold directive to expand the mental health support infrastructure in public schools. He announced the hiring of more licensed school counselors, citing an urgent need to respond to rising cases of bullying, depression, and emotional distress among students.
What the Announcement Entrails
According to GMA Integrated News, the President stated:
“Many students are experiencing bullying or depression… We are closely monitoring the mental health of our youth. We will add school counselors who will serve as their consultants and guides.”
This move addresses a significant gap: as many schools still lack full-time counselors, students often go without lifesaving support. Marcos emphasized that these counselors would act as essential support systems and first responders to mental health crises in school settings.
Understanding the Bigger Picture: Laws and Programs Behind the Move
Legislative Backbone
- In late 2024, Marcos signed the Basic Education Mental Health and Well‑Being Promotion Act (RA 12080), which institutionalized mental health programs in all schools and mandated plantilla (permanent) counselor positions.
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In March 2025, the The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) rolled out implementing rules and regulations, clarifying the creation and implementation of school-based mental health programs, setting up a Care Center to provide essential mental health services (which includes counseling and monitoring), and integration of social-emotional learning in curriculums.
Supporting Programs
Under the YAKAP Caravan, the administration also pledged free medical check‑ups, cancer screenings, and medicines for students and teachers. This also creates more opportunities to detect psychological stress, anxiety, and depression in students early on.
Why This Matters
- Surging mental health concerns in schools: Bullying, cyber harassment, and depression among youth have become pressing issues nationwide.
- Counseling gaps persist: Thousands of public schools still share only one counselor—if they have one at all—which fails to meet rising demand for mental health support.
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Policy finally meets implementation: The President’s announcement transforms past legislation into concrete staffing commitments and operational readiness.
Turning Words into Action
To make this announcement meaningful, stakeholders should:
- Fund and fill the newly created counselor positions promptly.
- Train counselors and teachers in mental health literacy, suicide prevention, and anti-bullying practices.
- Establish Mental Health Desks and referral systems in each school, as outlined in the IRR.
- Engage parents, NGOs, and health practitioners in designing culturally relevant support mechanisms.
- Track impact and outcomes through surveys, incident reports, and academic indicators.
What’s Next?
While specific hiring targets and timelines have not yet been disclosed, this directive marks a turning point in education policy. It signals a high-level commitment to embed mental health care within the school system, moving beyond policy to real, on-the-ground action.
Final Word
This step promises to place mental health at the heart of education reform. With actionable implementation, our schools can become not just centers of learning, but havens of support, resilience, and emotional growth for young Filipinos.
References
Cabato, L. (2025, July). Marcos bares plans to safeguard mental health of students. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2088489/fwd-marcos-on-mental-health-of-students
Communications, E. 2. (2025, March 5). New implementing rules on mental well-being in schools signed. EDCOM 2. https://edcom2.gov.ph/new-implementing-rules-on-mental-well-being-in-schools-signed/
DEPED. (2024). PBBM signs law expanding mental health programs in schools and creating school counselor positions | Department of Education. Deped.gov.ph. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/12/09/pbbm-signs-law-expanding-mental-health-programs-in-schools-and-creating-school-counselor-positions/
Senate of the Philippines. (2025). Press Release – EDCOM 2: New implementing rules on mental well-being in schools signed. Senate.gov.ph. https://web.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2025/0305_edcom2.asp
Untalan, S. (2015). SONA 2025: Marcos orders hiring of more school counselors to address bullying, mental health. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/953998/marcos-orders-hiring-of-more-school-counselors-to-address-bullying-mental-health/story/
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