The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is now cleared to create 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions, following the approval of the Qualification Standards (QS) under Republic Act (RA) No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. These new roles are expected to be rolled out to public schools in School Year 2026-2027.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara welcomed the approval by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), stressing that this development highlights the government’s continued commitment to strengthening mental health awareness, prevention, and support services for learners through comprehensive school-based programs.
Through CSC Resolution No. 2600920, the Commission approved the Qualification Standards for the positions of Schools Division Counselor (SDC), School Counselor I-IV, and School Counselor Associate (SCA) I-V positions.
These positions represent the first phase of implementing the school counseling workforce established under RA No. 12080.
The establishment of these positions represents a critical step toward expanding school-based counseling services and strengthening learner support mechanisms throughout the basic education system.
This marks a significant milestone in implementing RA 12080 and institutionalizing mental health and psychosocial support services across public schools.
Angara emphasized the importance of the CSC approval in advancing DepEd’s learner mental health and well-being agenda.
‘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.
‘By rolling out this dedicated workforce of counselors and counselor associates, we are taking a concrete step toward fulfilling the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to transform our schools into centers of genuine care, protection, and well-being,’ he added.
Following the creation of the positions, DepEd shall prepare the necessary implementation guidelines to begin recruitment, appointment, and deployment of qualified School Counselor Associates in accordance with civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
As DepEd continues to prioritize learner well-being, Angara said the Department remains committed to working closely with partner agencies to ensure the timely staffing and operationalization of these crucial mental health positions.
These efforts reinforce DepEd’s mission to provide safe, inclusive, supportive, and learner-centered environments for every Filipino learner.