Only 10 of 4,000 public schools in E. Visayas have counselors

Inquirer files

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Only 10 out of the 4,254 public schools in Eastern Visayas have licensed guidance counselors, a figure that has alarmed the Department of Education in Region 8 (DepEd-8).

Hannah Rose Cuaderno, project development officer of the Education Support Services Division of DepEd-Eastern Visayas, raised concern over the extremely low number of guidance counselors, especially amid reports of bullying incidents in schools.

“This lack of trained professionals could be attributed to the rigorous requirements for licensure and relatively low salary, which may discourage qualified individuals from taking the position,” said Cuaderno in an interview on June 10.

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According to Cuaderno, there were many cases in the region’s public school system where even teachers with teaching items had to double as guidance counselors.

Cuaderno also revealed that only 40 schools in the region have formal antibullying policies in place, despite the growing concern over bullying, including cases that were reported to have led to self-harm or suicide among students.

Bullying cases

Based on DepEd’s data for school year 2022–2023, 781 reported bullying cases were lodged in Eastern Visayas.

However, Cuaderno acknowledged that the figure may not reflect the actual situation on the ground, as some schools either report zero cases of bullying or classify certain incidents as mere misunderstandings among students.

“Some teachers just instruct the students involved to shake hands and consider the issue resolved, which is why no official report or incident plan is submitted,” she said.

Bullying in the region includes both physical aggression and cyberbullying.

Despite the alarming trend, Cuaderno said DepEd maintains a policy of not imposing punitive measures such as suspension or expulsion on student offenders unless their actions pose a health or safety risk.

“In general, DepEd does not expel or suspend students unless the case escalates into a serious health concern,” she said, noting that those found responsible for bullying are usually referred to counseling—either by a licensed counselor or a designated teacher.

With the situation becoming increasingly urgent, DepEd is calling on licensed guidance counselors to consider applying for positions in the region’s public schools to help address the mental health and behavioral issues affecting students. /cb