CSC approves standards for new school counselor posts

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved the qualification standards for newly created school counseling positions under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, paving the way for the hiring of 10,000 school counselor associates in public schools.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the CSC’s approval, saying it marks a key step in implementing Republic Act No. 12080, which seeks to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services for learners.

Under CSC Resolution No. 2600920, the Commission approved the qualification standards for the positions of Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I to IV, and School Counselor Associate I to V.

“The approval of the Qualification Standards is a major milestone in the implementation of RA 12080. It establishes the professional standards for our school counseling workforce and brings us closer to ensuring that learners across the country have greater access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services in our schools,” Angara said.

He added that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve the learning environment in public schools.

With the qualification standards now in place, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) may proceed with creating 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions for deployment to public schools beginning School Year 2026–2027.

The positions represent the first phase of implementing the school counseling workforce mandated under RA 12080.

DepEd said it will next prepare the implementing guidelines covering the recruitment, appointment, and deployment of qualified School Counselor Associates in accordance with civil service rules and regulations.

The department said the additional personnel are expected to expand school-based counseling services, strengthen mental health support for learners, and help provide safer and more supportive learning environments in public schools. —VAL, GMA News