DepEd Order 019, s. 2026: New School Counselor Guidelines

With the release of DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) has officially established the Qualification Standards (QS) for newly created mental health plantilla (permanent) positions.

For years, student support frequently fell on classroom teachers acting as "guidance designates"—a role that added to their heavy academic workload. This new DepEd Order enforces the provisions of Republic Act No. 12080 (the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act), ensuring schools finally get the dedicated, qualified mental health staff they need.

Here is a complete breakdown of DO 019, s. 2026, the new job roles, and what the guidelines mean for applicants and schools.

What are the New Mental Health Positions in DepEd?

RA 12080 mandates the creation of Care Centers in all public basic education schools, as well as Mental Health and Well-Being Offices at the Schools Division Office (SDO) level.

To staff these offices, DepEd Order 019 outlines three distinct tiers of mental health professionals:

• Schools Division Counselors: These professionals will head the Mental Health and Well-Being Offices at the SDO level, overseeing district-wide programs.
• School Counselors (I to IV): Fully licensed professionals tasked with operating the school-based Care Centers and handling clinical or severe cases.
• School Counselor Associates (I to V): Support staff who will assist full counselors, handle baseline student welfare programs, and manage day-to-day Care Center operations.

DepEd School Counselor Qualification Standards (QS)

The core purpose of DO 019, s. 2026—backed by Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 2600920—is to standardize who can be hired. DepEd is ensuring that students receive care from legitimately qualified professionals rather than untrained designates.

Below are the baseline educational and licensing requirements for the new DepEd counselor positions:

Position Tier	Education Requirement	Licensing & Eligibility
Schools Division Counselor	Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology	Valid PRC License (Guidance Counselor or Psychologist)
School Counselor I - IV	Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology	Valid PRC License (Guidance Counselor or Psychologist)
School Counselor Associate I - V	Bachelor's Degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology*	Career Service Professional Eligibility

*Note for Associate Applicants: Graduates with a related Bachelor's degree can still qualify for the Associate tier if they have earned at least 18 units in Behavioral Science. This must include 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship in guidance and counseling, preferably within a school or community setting.

(Required years of experience and training hours will scale depending on the specific roman numeral level of the position).

Why DO 019, s. 2026 is a Game-Changer for Philippine Education

The implementation of these new school counselor guidelines brings three major benefits to the public school system:

1. Relieving Overworked Teachers

Teachers have historically stepped in as makeshift counselors to manage the complex emotional needs of their students. By shifting this responsibility to dedicated Care Centers, teachers can refocus on classroom instruction and curriculum delivery.

2. Professionalizing Student Mental Health Care

By strictly requiring Master's degrees and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licenses for higher-tier counselors, DepEd guarantees that severe cases—including trauma, abuse, neurodevelopmental issues, and crisis intervention—are handled by professionals with clinical expertise.

3. Creating a Clear Career Pathway

In the past, guidance counselors in the public sector faced stagnant salaries and very limited promotion opportunities. The tiered system established in DO 019 (from Associate I scaling up to SDO Counselor) creates a legitimate, upward career progression. This makes public service highly attractive to newly licensed psychologists and guidance counselors.

What Happens Next for Applicants?

With the qualification standards now officially published, DepEd—in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)—will initiate the mass hiring and deployment phase for these plantilla positions.

Public schools across the Philippines will soon begin transitioning their traditional "Guidance Offices" into fully-fledged Care Centers. This marks a pivotal move away from purely disciplinary or academic-advising models, pivoting toward a holistic, mental health-first approach for Filipino learners.

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Disclaimer: For exact training hours, experience requirements, and upcoming hiring schedules, applicants should regularly check the official DepEd website or coordinate with their local Schools Division Office (SDO).

Source Document: DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2026 (PDF)

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