Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Arturo Bayocot has attributed the shortage of licensed guidance counselors in Central Visayas schools to uncompetitive salary offers and stringent qualification requirements for licensure. The issue gained prominence after a school shooting in Tacloban City, prompting Cebu City Councilor Paul Labra II to reveal that only seven registered guidance counselors serve 107 public elementary and high schools in Cebu City. Teachers have been forced to take on counseling roles despite rising demand for mental health support.
Licensing requirements deter applicants
Bayocot explained that the limited number of professionals stems from rigorous requirements under Republic Act (RA) 9258, or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004. Applicants must hold a master's degree in guidance and counseling from a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized and accredited institution to qualify for the licensure examination.
Salary scales fail to attract talent
Bayocot noted that DepEd's salary offers are not attractive. Based on the 2026 Department of Budget and Management (DBM) third tranche monthly salary schedule, School Counselor Associate I (Salary Grade 11) receives a starting monthly salary of P31,705, while School Counselor Associate II (SG 12) earns P33,947. School Counselor Associate III and IV (both SG 14) each receive P38,764, and School Counselor Associate V (SG 15) receives P42,178. A School Counselor I (SG 16) receives P45,694, School Counselor II (SG 18) receives P53,818, School Counselor III (SG 20) receives P66,052, and School Counselor IV (SG 22) receives P81,769. A School Division Counselor (SG 24) receives a starting monthly salary of P102,603.
“After earning a master’s degree and passing the licensure examination, they enter DepEd only to receive a salary that is equivalent to that of a Teacher I. Because of that, many find it difficult to accept the position,” Bayocot said in Tagalog during the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the DepEd Ecotech in Cebu City.
DepEd seeks 10,000 new counselor items
DepEd has requested the creation of 10,000 items to address the shortage of guidance counselors in public schools. This follows the approval of qualification standards for school counselor positions by the Civil Service Commission under RA 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
