EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the approval by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) of the Qualification Standards (QS) for the positions created under Republic Act (RA) No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The development highlights the government’s continued commitment to strengthening mental health awareness, prevention, and support services for learners through comprehensive school-based programs.
Through CSC Resolution 2600920, the commission approved the Qualification Standards for the positions of Schools Division Counselor (SDC), School Counselor I to IV and School Counselor Associate (SCA) I to V positions.
This marks a significant milestone in implementing RA 12080 and institutionalizing mental health and psychosocial support services across public schools.
Angara emphasized the importance of the CSC approval in advancing DepEd’s learner mental health and well-being agenda.
"The approval of the Qualification Standards is a major milestone in the implementation of RA 12080. 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," Angara said.
"By rolling out this dedicated workforce of counselors and counselor associates, we are taking a concrete step toward fulfilling the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to transform our schools into centers of genuine care, protection, and well-being,” he added.
With the approval of the qualification standards, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) may proceed with the creation of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions for deployment to public schools beginning School Year 2026–2027.
These positions represent the first phase of implementing the school counseling workforce established under RA 12080.
The establishment of these positions represents a critical step toward expanding school-based counseling services and strengthening learner support mechanisms throughout the basic education system.
Following the creation of the positions, DepEd shall prepare the necessary implementation guidelines to begin recruitment, appointment, and deployment of qualified School Counselor Associates in accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations.
As DepEd continues to prioritize learner well-being, Angara said the department remains committed to working closely with partner agencies to ensure the timely staffing and operationalization of these crucial mental health positions.
These efforts reinforce DepEd’s mission to provide safe, inclusive, supportive, and learner-centered environments for every Filipino learner.