THE SHORTAGE of school guidance counselors in Region 6, as reported by the Department of Education (DepEd), mirrors the broader mental health crisis gripping the Philippine education system. With only 36 registered guidance counselors catering to the needs of students in Western Visayas, the region’s schools are grappling with a severe deficit of professional mental health support. This shortage, compounded by over 4,000 vacancies nationwide, shows a systemic problem.
In Region 6, 476 additional guidance counselors are needed to meet the growing demand. However, the stringent requirement of a master’s degree for the position has significantly narrowed the pool of qualified applicants. While professional standards are important, this policy inadvertently excludes many capable individuals who could otherwise help bridge the gap. The uncompetitive salaries for guidance counselors further make the profession unattractive, discouraging potential candidates from pursuing this career.
The ripple effects of this shortage are felt across the education system. In schools without registered guidance counselors, teachers are compelled to take on counseling duties in addition to their regular workload. This band-aid solution not only overburdens educators but also risks compromising the quality of mental health support provided to students. Teachers, no matter how dedicated, are not substitutes for trained mental health professionals.
Region 6 is a microcosm of the nationwide crisis. The challenges it faces echo those encountered by other regions — an overwhelming shortage of guidance counselors, inadequate compensation, and policies that inadvertently create barriers to entry. The nationwide scale of this problem means there is urgency for comprehensive reforms.
The passage of the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act” offers a glimmer of hope. By institutionalizing mental health programs and relaxing educational requirements for guidance counselors, this measure has the potential to alleviate some of the challenges. However, legislation is not enough. Effective implementation, coupled with measures from Congress, the Department of Budget and Management, and DepEd, is essential to ensure that these reforms translate into meaningful improvements on the ground.
Raising the salaries of guidance counselors is an important first step. Competitive compensation can make the profession more appealing and encourage more individuals to pursue this vital role. Additionally, revisiting the qualification requirements to allow alternative pathways for aspiring counselors can help expand the pool of applicants without compromising the quality of mental health services.
Mental health is not a peripheral matter — it is central to the well-being and academic success of students. The youth of Region 6, like their peers across the country, deserve access to adequate mental health support.