Mental health training certificates ‘for sale’ raise ethical concerns.
“NO PLEASE, WAG NYONG SIRAIN ANG EFFORT NG DEPED NA PAGANDAHIN ANG MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES NG MGA PAARALAN.”
This was the response of a psychological training center owner after receiving inquiries from individuals asking if certificates of training required for school counselor applications could be purchased.
On Facebook, the owner posted a screenshot of a Messenger exchange with the center’s page, where an individual asked whether it sells certificates of training that are relevant to the School Counselor Associate I applications of the Department of Education.
“No po. If I may remind lang din po that certificates should be earned, not bought,” the owner replied. “This is not a good practice po. Please refrain from doing this unethical practice. Thank you po.”
In her post, the owner expressed concern over receiving several similar inquiries, questioning how the practice could have become normalized.
“Sinong nagsabi na pwedeng bilin ang certificates? Sinong nagbebenta? Sinong nagpapalusot?” she wrote.
She continued to show understanding for the eagerness of aspiring SCAs to apply for the position, but emphasized that DepEd’s programs should not be jeopardized by such practices. Instead, applicants should undergo training to earn legitimate certificates.
While understanding the eagerness of aspiring School Counselor Associates, the owner stressed that DepEd’s efforts to improve school mental health services should not be compromised by unethical practices. She called on training centers to uphold standards and urged applicants to undergo proper training to earn legitimate certificates.
The owner later said the person who inquired had apologized and committed to following the proper process. She added that her post was meant as a reminder for the system to address possible gaps.
The discussion comes as DepEd expands mental health services in schools through newly created positions. Earlier this July, the agency issued DepEd Order No. 019, series of 2026, adopting the Civil Service Commission’s Qualification Standards for positions including Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I–IV, and School Counselor Associate I–V.
The positions were created under Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The qualifications for School Counselor Associate I are a career service professional/
second level eligibility, and a bachelor’s degree in guidance counseling or psychology; or any bachelor’s degree with units of relevant courses that include 200 hours of practicum experience in school or community guidance and counseling.
In 2025, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged the difficulty in hiring guidance counselors due to a lack of supply, leading to the creation of 10,000 counselor associate positions.
The Philippines had only 4,069 licensed guidance counselors as of 2022, which is very few to accommodate the country’s 27 million students. The ideal global ratio is one counselor for every 250 students.
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