ILOILO City – The Department of Education (Department of Education) has rolled out a nationwide reclassification of guidance counselor and guidance coordinator positions, a move aimed at improving mental health support in public schools and creating clearer career paths for guidance personnel.
The initiative, formalized through a memorandum dated January 22, 2026, implements Republic Act 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which calls for stronger delivery of mental health and psychosocial services in schools.
While largely administrative in nature, the reform is expected to have direct effects on school communities. Qualified guidance personnel may be upgraded to newly defined School Counselor positions with higher salary grades, while others will be placed under the School Counselor Associate track, which also offers opportunities for advancement based on education, training, and experience.
Under the guidelines, incumbent guidance counselors and coordinators are required to submit updated credentials, including professional licenses, performance ratings, and training records, to their respective Schools Division Offices. These will be reviewed to determine the appropriate reclassification.
Only licensed Registered Guidance Counselors and Registered Psychologists may qualify for School Counselor positions, which range from Salary Grade 16 to 22. Non-licensed personnel will be reclassified as School Counselor Associates, with salary grades from 11 to 15.
DepEd also issued detailed proposed qualification standards outlining the academic background, experience, and training hours required at each level. Higher counselor positions require master’s degrees in guidance and counseling or psychology, along with increasing years of relevant experience.
Schools Division Offices are required to submit their Position Allocation Lists by February 20, 2026, after which Regional Offices will consolidate and forward approved documents to the central office and the Department of Budget and Management for funding and staffing action.
To ensure smooth implementation, DepEd will conduct a virtual orientation for regional and division human resource officers on January 29, 2026.
Education officials said the reclassification responds to the growing demand for structured mental health services in schools, emphasizing that guidance and counseling are no longer auxiliary functions but essential components of basic education support./PN
