Iloilo city: The City Council has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure the hiring of additional licensed guidance counselors for all public secondary schools in Iloilo City, following a series of recent violent incidents involving youths. During the council’s regular session on Wednesday, Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna highlighted systemic challenges faced by schools, such as the insufficient number of guidance counselors, absenteeism, failing grades, bullying, lenient policy enforcement, and issues related to peer pressure and gang recruitment.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cabaluna’s statement was based on findings from the joint hearing of the Committee on Public Safety on issues concerning children at risk and children in conflict with the law (CICL). He cited DepEd Order 77, series of 2010, which mandates one guidance counselor for every 500 students in secondary schools. However, Iloilo City National High School currently has only one registered guidance counselor for 6,592 learners; Ramon Avance±a NHS has one for 3,656 students; and Mandurriao NHS has one for 3,175 students.
Cabaluna expressed concerns over an increase in violent incidents involving the youth, referencing specific events such as the stabbing at Jaro Plaza on August 1, gang violence involving 22 individuals at the Gaisano ICC grounds on August 3, and another violent incident on August 10. These occurrences underscore the urgent need for more guidance counselors in schools.
In an interview on Thursday, DepEd Regional Information Officer Hernani Escullar Jr. stated that while the agency acknowledges the council’s appeal, it must adhere to existing hiring guidelines. Escullar explained that although vacancies are periodically posted at the DepEd division level, guidance counselor positions often remain unfilled due to the role’s stringent requirements, including a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. The salary grade for these positions ranges from 11 to 16, in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular 2, series of 2017.
Escullar further noted that in the absence of licensed guidance counselors, schools appoint guidance counselor-designates to address student concerns. However, these designates have limitations and can only provide initial interventions and guidance. They may refer more complex cases, such as bullying or child abuse, to the social welfare and development office or the learner rights and protection office if the issues exceed the scope of the child protection committee. Once referred, their role is to help ensure the learner’s education continues through alternative delivery modes.
