DepEd wants master’s degree requisite for guidance counselors waived

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to discuss with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Commission on Higher Education the waiving of the master’s degree requirement for guidance counselor applicants in schools, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Tuesday.

According to Angara, it is a “temporary solution” to the 5,000 vacant guidance counselor positions in public schools nationwide.

“Basta hindi na kailangan iyong master’s degree. Parang bigyan sila ng palugit o limang taon para makuha nila iyong necessary credentials,” he added.

(The master’s degree is no longer a requirement. It’s like giving them a grace period of five years so they can get the necessary credentials.)

Angara also said the DepEd is set to recommend the amendment of Republic Act No. 9258, or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004.

Under the law, an applicant must have a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling to qualify for its licensure exams.

“Mayroon tayong effort sa mga mambabatas na tanggalin na natin iyon kasi nasa batas iyon eh. Iyon ang nagpapahirap dito…Nakalagay na to be a licensed guidance counselor you must have a master’s degree. So, ang hirap nun ‘di ba kasi to be a teacher, you only need a bachelor’s degree, you don’t need a master’s degree,” said Angara.

(We have an effort with the legislators to remove that because it’s in the law, that’s what makes it difficult…It’s stated that to be a licensed guidance counselor, you must have a master’s degree. So, it is difficult, isn’t it? Because to be a teacher you only need a bachelor’s degree, you don’t need a master’s degree.)

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