MANILA — Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman has approved the upgrading of the existing positions for government psychologists to support the promotion of inclusive and effective mental health programs for all public servants, as provided under DBM Budget Circular (BC) No. 2024-5.
The decision follows a thorough study, evaluation, and action on the request made by the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and the Department of Health (DOH) to the DBM.
“Magle-level up na po ang salary grade ng ating mga existing psychologists sa gobyerno! I know that is long overdue for our dear psychologists in government, but we are happy that under the term of our President Bongbong Marcos, nagkatotoo na po,” Secretary Mina said.
“We all know that prioritizing mental health programs is fundamental to fostering a healthy and productive workforce. The upgrade in psychologist positions in government is an important step toward strengthening our mental health initiatives,” Sec. Mina added.
Budget Circular 2024-5 specifically covers all Psychologist I, II, and III positions, whether regular, casual or contractual in nature, full-time, now existing or hereafter created in the national government agencies, including state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations, and in local government units covered by the Compensation and Position Classification System under the “Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989,” as amended.
The Circular states that Psychologist I posts will have an adjusted salary grade from SG 11 to SG 16. For Psychologist II, the salary grade will be raised from SG 15 to SG 18. Meanwhile, the salary grade for Psychologist III will be upgraded from SG 18 to SG 20. The adjustments will take effect on January 1, 2025.
The decision to upgrade the salary grade of government psychologists is in recognition of the higher qualifications required of them upon entering gov’t service— i.e., masters degree and 200 hrs internship, among others.
“Ang sahod ay dapat pong iayon sa kwalipikasyon. How can we hire or attract experts or high-caliber personnel if the salary we offer is way below than the pay they deserve? With the upgrading, we hope to be able to recruit more psychologists in the government sector, so we can also develop and enhance mental health of government workers across the bureaucracy,” Sec. Mina explained.
Development of the Mental Health Program in Departments, Agencies
Consistent with CSC MC No. 4, s. 2020, the Circular likewise emphasized the need for departments and agencies of the government to develop a comprehensive Mental Health Program that will be responsive to the psychiatric and psychosocial needs of their employees, which includes the provision of an inclusive, conducive, and supportive work environment for them.
Such program promotes mental health and wellness of government employees, which, in turn ensures a healthy and productive workforce.
Earlier this week, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. signed the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act, which aims to institutionalize mental health and well-being programs in schools, as well as create new plantilla positions for school counselors.
Under the law, services for mental health, emotional development, preventive interventions, and other support services, alongside efforts to eliminate the stigma or misconceptions surrounding mental health counseling will be established. Along this line, the DBM action on the upgrading of the government psychologist positions complements the overall agenda of the President in support of the mental health advancement in the country. (DBM)
