Dennis Gasgonia

DepEd fast-tracks hiring of 10,000 school counselor associates

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA - Education Secretary Sonny Angara launched the nationwide recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I (SCA I) positions to address a long-standing shortage in learner mental health services. </p><p>This is part of the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act.</p><p>Schools Division Offices (SDOs) that have received their Notice of Organization, Staffing, and Classification Action (NOSCA) were directed to immediately begin filling the entry-level positions.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/23/deped-guarantees-classroom-construction-in-majority-of-lgus-within-the-year-1617"><strong>DepEd guarantees classroom construction in majority of LGUs within the year</strong></a></div><p>To accelerate recruitment nationwide, DepEd mandated that all SDOs conduct the entire recruitment process through the Agile Gateway for Appointments and Placements (AGAP) System, the Department&#x27;s digital recruitment platform. </p><p>The system enables online publication of vacancies, electronic submission of applications, automated processing of documentary requirements, and appointment generation, significantly reducing processing time and administrative burden.</p><p>SDOs were also instructed to establish physical assistance kiosks and help desks in their respective offices to assist walk-in applicants with account creation, requirement registration, and document uploading.</p><p>&quot;Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagpuno ng mga plantilla positions. Napakahalaga ng pag-hire natin ng mga School Counselor Associates dahil sila ang magiging kaagapay ng ating mga mag-aaral sa pang-araw-araw nilang mental health at psychosocial needs,&quot; Angara said in a statement.</p><p>The initiative expands the school-based mental health workforce through the creation and deployment of School Counselor Associate positions. </p><p>School Counselor Associates will provide basic mental health services, learner support, documentation, referral, and other related functions, thereby helping address persistent staffing gaps in public schools. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/9/25/p928b-proposed-deped-budget-to-support-students-mental-health-children-with-special-needs-1032"><strong>P928 billion proposed DepEd budget to support students’ mental health, children with special needs </strong></a> </div><p>The deployment complements the specialized guidance and counseling services provided by Registered Guidance Counselors.</p><p>For the School Counselor Associate I position, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology; or any Bachelor’s Degree with at least 18 units in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology; or any related Bachelor’s Degree with at least 18 units in Behavioral Science courses, inclusive of 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship experience on guidance and counseling, preferably in a school or community setting. </p><p>Applicants must possess Career Service Professional (Second Level) Eligibility. </p><p>DepEd said no prior experience or additional training is required. </p><div><br/></div><div>  </div>

<p>Education Secretary Sonny Angara has launched the nationwide recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I (SCA I) positions to address a long-standing shortage in learner mental health services. </p>

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has launched the nationwide recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I (SCA I) positions to address a long-standing shortage in learner mental health services.