The Civil Service Commission has approved the qualification standards for 10,000 new school mental health positions under the Department of Education (DepEd), allowing the creation of “School Counselor Associate I” posts.
This move comes two years after the passage of Republic Act 12080, which aims to address the shortage of guidance counselors in schools.
The Department of Budget and Management is now authorized to establish the plantilla positions, with about P2 billion already allocated in the 2026 national budget.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara called the approval a major milestone in implementing the law, which allows qualified graduates in related fields to serve as counselor associates without a professional license after completing required training.
DepEd said the hiring will proceed in phases as it finalizes guidelines for recruitment, deployment, and career progression within the school mental health system.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 3, 2026
DEPED TO RECRUIT 10,000 NON-LICENSED COUNSELORS FOLLOWING CSC GREENLIGHT
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