The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday welcomed the approval of Qualification Standards (QS) for new counselor posts, which will help enhance school-based mental health services.

Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 2600920, the commission approved the QS for the positions of Schools Division Counselor (SDC), School Counselor I to IV, and School Counselor Associate (SCA) I to V.

This is in adherence with the Republic Act 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

“The approval of the Qualification Standards is a major milestone in the implementation of RA 12080,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

“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.”

With the approved QS, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) can create 10,000 positions for School Counselor Associate I, with deployment to public schools beginning in school year 2026 to 2027.

This is the first phase of the implementation of the school counseling workforce established under RA 12080.

“By rolling out this dedicated workforce of counselors and counselor associates, we are taking a concrete step toward fulfilling the directive of President (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos (Jr.) to transform our schools into centers of genuine care, protection, and well-being,” Angara said.

Following the creation of counselor positions, the DepEd will prepare the necessary implementation guidelines.

This will cover policy on recruitment, appointment and deployment of qualified School Counselor Associates in accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations. (PNA)