THE CIVIL Service Commission (CSC) has approved the Qualification Standards for the positions of Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I to IV, and School Counselor Associate I to V.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the approval, saying it marks a significant step in advancing the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 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.

According to DepEd, the approval underscores the government’s continued commitment to strengthening mental health awareness, prevention, and support services for learners through comprehensive school-based programs.

With the qualification standards now in place, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) may proceed with the creation of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions, which are set to be deployed to public schools starting in School Year 2026–2027.