AN ORDINANCE CREATING A CITY OR MUNICIPAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR GUIDANCE COUNSELING IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
CITY ORDINANCE NO. _____
CREATING A CITY OR MUNICIPAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR GUIDANCE COUNSELING IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
WHEREAS, the Department of Education (DepEd) has reported a significant shortage of guidance counselors, with an estimated need of 47,000 guidance counselors compared to the current allocation of approximately 4,460 Plantilla positions;
WHEREAS, guidance counselors provide essential services, including mental health support, career counseling, and intervention in cases of bullying and discrimination;
WHEREAS, local government units (LGUs) have a responsibility to promote the well-being of students and ensure access to quality education and mental health services;
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish a City or Municipal Coordinating Committee for Guidance Counseling to address the shortage by mobilizing resources, engaging volunteers, and ensuring proper coordination among relevant stakeholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan of ___________, in session assembled:
SECTION 1. TITLE
This ordinance shall be known as the "City/Municipal Coordinating Committee for Guidance Counseling Ordinance."
SECTION 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish a mechanism to meet the demand for guidance counselors in local schools, ensuring that all students have access to mental health counseling, career guidance, and protection from bullying and discrimination.
SECTION 3. CREATION OF A COORDINATING COMMITTEE
There is hereby created a City/Municipal Coordinating Committee for Guidance Counseling, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee," which shall serve as the central body to oversee the implementation of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall be composed of the following members:
The City/Municipal Mayor or their representative - Chairperson
The City/Municipal Education Officer - Vice Chairperson
A representative from the Department of Education (DepEd)
A representative from the Department of Health (DOH)
A representative from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
A representative from the Local School Board
A representative from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
A representative from a recognized NGO specializing in mental health or youth development
A representative from the business sector under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program
SECTION 5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall:
Develop and implement programs to address the shortage of guidance counselors within the locality.
Identify and mobilize private sector volunteers, including psychologists, social workers, and retired educators.
Provide coordination and support to volunteers and ensure proper training and supervision.
Organize and facilitate career guidance programs, including an annual "Career Day."
Implement initiatives to address bullying, including cyberbullying, and ensure mental health support for students.
Recommend budget appropriations for guidance counseling programs from the Special Education Fund (SEF).
Promote public-private partnerships through CSR programs to fund guidance counseling activities.
SECTION 6. COMMUNITY SERVICE ALTERNATIVE
The Mayor may assign violators of minor municipal ordinances to perform community service as volunteer assistants in guidance counseling programs, subject to appropriate training and supervision.
SECTION 7. INCENTIVES FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Committee shall recommend and implement appropriate incentives for private sector volunteers, including certificates of recognition, tax incentives for companies participating in CSR programs, and other forms of acknowledgment.
SECTION 8. FUNDING
Funds for the implementation of this ordinance shall be sourced from the following:
Special Education Fund (SEF)
Local government appropriations
Donations and grants from private organizations and NGOs
SECTION 9. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
The Committee shall submit an annual report to the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan detailing its activities, accomplishments, and recommendations for further improvements.
SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
If any provision of this ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY
This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or posting in at least three public places within the city/municipality.
Enacted this ___ day of __________, 2025.
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