Schools told to implement peer counseling program

City officials urged all public and private basic and higher education institutions in the city to implement peer counseling programs among students as part of their personal and mental health care following the resumption of in-person classes for the present schoolyear after a 2-year implementation of the so-called blended learning.

Under Resolution No. 586, series of 2022, local legislators stated that apart from the role of teachers, guidance counselors and other school personnel as loco parentis or secondary parents, it is also encouraged to facilitate peer or student-to-student counseling since other students are comfortable to open up or talk to other students.

During the Scout Official for a Day (SCOFAD) regular session held on November 7, 2022, the SOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SOFAD Councilor Henna Dalen A. Celino which earnestly urged all public and private basic and higher education institutions in the city to implement peer counseling among students as part of their personal and mental health care.

The council noted that the State recognizes, protects and promotes the role of the youth in nation building, their physical, moral, spiritual, and intellectual and social wellbeing, including the right to health of the people, and health consciousness among them.

One of the evident problems among the youth that emerged during the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic were mental health issues that needed the intervention of experts in the field to comfort students affected by the problem that persisted prior to the resumption of face-to-face classes.

Copies of the approved resolution will be forwarded to the concerned offices and all private and public basic and higher education institutions for their information, guidance and ready reference. – Dexter A. See