DepEd laments shortage of guidance counselors in public schools Published April 12, 2021 3:02pm The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday lamented the shortage of guidance counselors who could help students in public schools cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said during the Tapatan sa Aristocrat online media forum that the agency had difficulty recruiting professional guidance counselors due low pay as well as stringent minimum requirements such as a master’s degree. “While the government has been aggressive in providing the items and opening up opportunities for professional guidance counselors, we still lack manpower because there are no takers,” San Antonio said, adding some teachers had to act as guidance counselors.