The lack of manpower continues to pose a “big concern” in addressing bullying and mental health concerns in schools nationwide.
This was highlighted in a statement issued by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on July 4 after convening the Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked to review the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Law of 2013, issued through Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 55 s. 2013.
“We know for a fact that we have an alarmingly high incidence of bullying in Philippine public schools and our local research further confirms that,” EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said.
“Bringing together movers of anti-bullying reforms is needed now more than ever,” he added, noting that there are already existing policy mechanisms that can provide learners with a safe and protected environment. “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that these are responsive and well-implemented,” he added.
During previous EDCOM 2 discussions, the discrepancy between the data reported by DepEd and data released by international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) was pointed out --- including structural and manpower concerns that affected the underreporting of bullying cases.
EDCOM 2 pointed out that the data also indicates that the country produced a relatively low number of graduates with a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from 2018-2021 compared to the available or unfilled guidance counselor positions.
“This poses a big concern regarding the supply of professionals who could help address or provide relevant services on bullying and mental health in schools,” EDCOM 2 said.
In contrast, data from DepEd shows that as of March 2024, there are 4,460 vacancies for guidance counselor positions that could not be filled.
EDCOM 2 pointed out that for example, in Region 6, there are 484 vacancies but only 15 graduates in guidance and counseling since 2018.
Meanwhile, in Region 8, DepEd has 297 vacancies, but not a single graduate since 2018 to 2021 based on data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Lack of manpower amid high prevalence of bullying in Philippine schools
The EDCOM 2 Technical Secretariat, Standing Committee Focal for Home and School Environment PDr Allan Bernardo, lead offices of the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Panel for Teacher Education comprise the said TWG.
Partners from the Child Stairway Foundation and the Research Institute for Teacher Quality were also present as resource persons during the first meeting of the TWG.
The TWG was created after EDCOM 2’s public hearing on bullying, following De La Salle University’s research recommendations to amend the IRR and strengthen the provisions related to the Child Protection Committee, improve systems for reporting bullying cases, and clarify the structure and systems of DepEd related to bullying.
“The DLSU study shows that the prevalence of bullying is highest in areas with high student-to-teacher ratios; we also know that guidance counselors play a critical role in this effort,” Yee said.
“However data shows we are severely lacking in such personnel in schools,” he added.
Yee also pointed out that there are “too few graduates” of guidance counseling programs. “Worse, CHED data shows that most providers are private. What is the role of our public HEIs in this?” Yee asked.
DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban, for his part, highlighted how these positions are becoming unappealing.
“Probably we have to go beyond the promotion of MA [in Guidance Counselors] because the profession itself is becoming unappealing in light of its current status and salary grade,” Galban said.
“We need to start from there, alongside the human resources that we need to address the problem,” he added.
Currently, the starting salary of guidance counselors is at Salary Grade 11 or P 27,000 per month, despite being required to complete a master's degree and pass a licensure exam.
Meanwhile, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Gatchalian emphasized the importance of improving the quality of basic education and how it should “go hand in hand with providing a safe environment for our learners.”
“Considering the high prevalence of bullying in our schools and the rising mental health concerns in the country, it is crucial that we strengthen our interventions to support learners and build their resilience,” Gatchalian said.
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/13/studies-highlight-alarming-prevalence-of-bullying-in-philippine-schools