DepEd laments shortage of guidance counselors in public schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday lamented the shortage of guidance counselors who could help students in public schools cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said during the Tapatan sa Aristocrat online media forum that the agency had difficulty recruiting professional guidance counselors due low pay as well as stringent minimum requirements such as a master’s degree.

“While the government has been aggressive in providing the items and opening up opportunities for professional guidance counselors, we still lack manpower because there are no takers,” San Antonio said, adding some teachers had to act as guidance counselors.

San Antonio said the DepEd is working with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Civil Service Commission (CSC) to address the issue of compensation.

Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor has reportedly urged Congress to increase the salary for entry-level guidance counselors by nearly P13,000 or from P23,877 to P36,628.

The pandemic forced the Philippines to shift to distance learning this academic year, which includes the use of modules supplemented by broadcast and online classes. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News