Marikina city: Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro has called on qualified professionals to apply for full-time guidance counselor positions to strengthen mental health care and support for students in the city's public schools.
According to Philippines News Agency, hiring more school counselors is part of the ongoing efforts of the city government to prevent crime and protect students on campus. "Hinihikayat po natin ang mga qualified professionals na mag-apply bilang full-time counselors para punan ang kakulangan ng full-time mental health practitioners sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan. Sa panahon ngayon, kailangan ng ating mga kabataang mag-aaral ng tutulong at gagabay sa kanila (We encourage qualified professionals to apply as full-time counselors to fill the shortage of full-time mental health practitioners in our public schools. Nowadays, our young students need someone to help and guide them)," Teodoro said in a statement on Tuesday.
Teodoro emphasized the importance of being proactive in safeguarding the well-being of students, aiming to ensure that Marikina's schools continue to be safe havens for learning. The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Marikina City has recently announced 31 vacancies for the School Counselor Associate I position.
Mayor Teodoro noted the need to enhance schools' capacities to support learners' mental health needs on campus, expressing hope that hiring more counselors will contribute to a nurturing environment and improve students' mental and emotional health.
Marikina's Schools Division Superintendent Alejandro Iba±ez outlined that the school counselor associates' primary role will involve developing intervention programs to address deviant behavior tendencies and other behavioral problems, as well as identifying early signs of mental health issues among students. Counselors will collaborate with teachers and non-teaching staff to facilitate student development and address concerns, recognizing red flags in learners' behaviors and mitigating potential violent escalation.
As of August 24, a total of 16 applicants have already submitted their applications, and the local government hopes that more will apply to fill all open positions. Since July, the local government has increased police and Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) personnel deployment and provided metal detectors in public and private schools to enhance campus security and provide greater peace of mind.
Mayor Teodoro stressed that protecting students and faculty involves more than just physical security and emergency protocols, highlighting the necessity of cooperation among school communities and families.
