The Marikina City government on Monday called on qualified professionals to apply for 31 full-time school counselor positions as part of efforts to strengthen mental health support and campus safety in public schools.

The Department of Education Schools Division Office of Marikina City announced 31 vacancies for School Counselor Associate I, with successful applicants to be deployed across the city’s 33 public schools, including 17 elementary and 16 secondary schools.

Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro said hiring more counselors would help schools address students’ mental health needs while supporting efforts to prevent violence and protect learners.

“We hope that hiring more counselors in schools will help contribute to a more compassionate and nurturing environment, and improve the mental and emotional health of students,” Teodoro said.

Schools Division Superintendent Alejandro Ibañez said the counselors will develop intervention programs addressing behavioral problems and help identify early signs of mental health concerns among students.

They will also coordinate with teaching and non-teaching personnel to identify behavioral red flags and intervene before problems potentially escalate into violence.

As of Monday, 24 August, 16 applicants had submitted applications, with the city hoping to fill all 31 vacancies.

Since July, Marikina has also increased the deployment of police and Office of Public Safety and Security personnel and provided metal detectors to public and private schools.

Teodoro, however, stressed that school safety goes beyond physical security and emergency protocols.

“As leaders, teachers, mentors, the adults in children’s lives who they look up to and emulate, we must set good examples and instill good values at home, in school, and within our communities. We must work together to create and foster support systems that engage with learners, especially those who need extra support and care,” she said.