The State of Guidance Counseling in Philippine Education

Abstract:

This study delves into the intricate landscape of guidance counseling within the Philippine educational system, uncovering nuanced challenges and promising opportunities. Administrative overload and role ambiguity emerge as significant barriers, diverting counselors from their primary responsibilities. Cultural dynamics, rooted in Filipino hierarchical structures, hinder effective counseling, emphasizing the necessity for culturally sensitive methodologies. The diversity in counselor expertise calls for standardized training programs to ensure consistency across institutions. The issue of low remuneration underscores the undervaluation of counseling, urging a paradigm shift in societal perceptions. The findings collectively advocate for systemic changes—redefining administrative structures, fostering cultural sensitivity, implementing standardized training, and demanding equitable compensation. This study serves as a transformative roadmap, transcending diagnostic boundaries, and guiding stakeholders toward a more supportive and effective guidance counseling landscape in Philippine education. As counselors play a pivotal role in holistic student development, this research sparks a call to action, urging a recalibration of priorities and attitudes to nurture positive change within the educational ecosystem.

Keywords: guidance counselling, Philippine education, administrative overload, role ambiguity