DepEd eyes school counselors pipeline

The Department of Education (DepEd) is funding graduate studies for 230 public school personnel in a bid to expand the pool of licensed guidance counselors, a shortage that has left positions unfilled in schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said guidance counselor positions remain vacant nationwide because of a lack of licensed applicants. The shortage poses a staffing challenge as schools are expected to provide greater support for learners’ mental health and well-being.

“To have this kind of learning environment, there must be someone ready to listen, understand and serve as a pillar of support for our learners,” Angara said.

The first batch of scholars under the Learning Initiatives for Nurturing Guidance Associates and Counselors Program will still need to complete their graduate studies and take the relevant licensure examination before they can qualify as licensed professionals.

The program is intended to address the shortage by helping existing DepEd personnel pursue advanced education in guidance and counseling and psychology, rather than relying solely on the limited pool of licensed applicants available for recruitment.

After completing their studies, the scholars must also fulfill service obligations in public schools.

Shortlisted

For Academic Year 2026–2027, the government has funded 870 scholarship slots worth P182.055 million under the General Appropriations Act. DepEd shortlisted 327 nominees and endorsed 230 to the Commission on Higher Education for the first batch of awards.

Each scholar will receive tuition and other school fees, a monthly living allowance of P30,000 and a research allowance of up to P150,000.