Tacloban: The Department of Education (DepEd) is hiring 436 new counselor associates for public schools in Eastern Visayas this year to help enhance school-based mental health services. DepEd Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jasmin Calzita said Wednesday the recruitment process seeks to capacitate more schools to address mental health issues of students in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Calzita emphasized the critical role of counselors in DepEd schools, highlighting their responsibility in safeguarding students' mental health, guiding career development, and ensuring child protection. "They are legally mandated professionals who act as first responders to issues like depression, bullying, and family conflict, making them essential pillars of holistic education," she stated in a phone interview.
Calzita pointed out that while the ideal global ratio is one counselor for every 250 students, DepEd is currently aiming for one counselor for every 500 students due to limited resources. With the current enrollment of 1,152,614, the region requires 2,153 counselors. Presently, there are only 38 existing counselors, and even with the hiring of 436 additional personnel this year, the region will still need 1,679 more to bridge the gap.
The DepEd regional office initiated the recruitment process following the approval of Qualification Standards (QS) for new counselor posts. Under Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 2600920, the commission approved the QS for positions ranging from school division counselor to school counselor associate I to V.
This move aligns with Republic Act 12080, also known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which was signed into law on Dec. 6, 2024. The act creates specialized positions within the Department of Education, including school division counselors, school counselors, and school counselor associates.
The law further mandates the establishment of care centers in every public basic education school to provide direct counseling services, preventive mental health programs, and mental health first aid. The education department underscored the importance of implementing the law, especially after the tragic June 22, 2026 shooting at San Jose National High School in this city, which resulted in three student fatalities and left 20 others injured.
