DepEd Hosted Consultation and Writeshop on School Mental Health Program Enhancements

The Department of Education (DepEd) conducted two pivotal events in early 2025 as part of its drive to bolster school-based mental health programs under Republic Act 12080—the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. The law focuses on establishing robust mental health initiatives in schools by recruiting and training qualified personnel and creating new positions such as school counselors.

An online consultation, scheduled for February 12, 2025, focused  on developing comprehensive job descriptions for school counselor associates (psychometricians) and school counselors. Representing Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)  at the consultation were Dr. Glenn Glarino, the PAP President and Dr. Carmencita H. Salonga,, a member of the PAP Board of Trustees.

Following the online session, an in-person writeshop was held from March 4 to 7, 2025 at the DepEd National Educators Academy of the Philippines, National Capital Region (NEAP-NCR), located at 15 Cepeda St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City. Dr. Carmencita H. Salonga  represented PAP at this event. The writeshop was facilitated by Michael Joseph Cabautan, Director III – DEPED Project Development Officer and Pia Pangilinan from the Bureau of Human Resource Organizational Development – Organization Effectiveness Division.

These events are part of the law’s broader mandate to enhance mental health and wellness in the basic education system. The Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development led the drafting and revision of job descriptions to support the law’s implementation. In collaboration with resource persons from the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) and the Philippine Association of Psychologists (PAP), DepEd aims to establish standardized qualifications and job roles for essential mental health positions within schools.

DepEd officials express confidence that these consultations and workshops play a crucial role in equipping schools to better support the mental health needs of students while ensuring that new positions are clearly defined and effectively integrated into the education system.