MAYOR Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro has issued a call for qualified professionals to join the city’s public school system as full-time guidance counselors, aiming to elevate mental health services and overall student well-being across the municipality.
The initiative follows an announcement from the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Marikina City regarding 31 open positions for School Counselor Associate I.
The recruits will be distributed among Marikina’s 33 public institutions, which include 17 elementary and 16 secondary schools.
“We encourage qualified professionals to apply as full-time counselors to fill the gap of mental health practitioners in our public schools,” Mayor Teodoro said, emphasizing that students currently face complex challenges requiring dedicated guidance.
City leaders view the expansion of mental health services as an essential pillar of campus safety and crime prevention.
Mayor Teodoro highlighted that protecting students extends beyond physical measures, aiming to foster a compassionate environment where schools function as true safe havens.
According to Schools Division Superintendent Alejandro Ibañez, the newly appointed counselor associates will focus on early intervention programs.
Their responsibilities include addressing behavioral issues, identifying early indicators of mental distress, and collaborating closely with faculty to spot red flags before conflicts escalate into violence.
Ibañez pointed out that guidance responsibilities have traditionally fallen on designated teachers who must manage counseling duties alongside reduced teaching loads.
Hiring licensed professionals ensures that student mental health is managed by dedicated specialists.
The local government has already taken steps to enhance school safety since July, deploying additional police officers and Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) personnel, as well as installing metal detectors in both public and private schools.
However, Mayor Teodoro reiterated that physical security must be paired with strong emotional support systems involving families, mentors, and the wider community.
As of August 24, 16 candidates have submitted applications. Local officials are encouraging more qualified individuals to apply to ensure all 31 vacancies are filled promptly.
The DepEd Marikina said interested applicants may apply through this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BTaJLYXEJ/
