As schools face growing demands to support the mental health and well-being of learners, the Ateneo Teacher Training Center (ATTC) of the College of Education, Ateneo de Naga University, is stepping forward to help build a stronger pool of trained guidance and counseling personnel through its new Certificate in Guidance and Counseling (CGC) program.
The five-month professional program responds to the growing need for qualified personnel in basic education following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. The law strengthens mental health services in public and private schools by requiring programs that promote mental health literacy, screening, crisis response, suicide prevention, and stakeholder engagement.
It also provides for the establishment of Mental Health and Well-Being Offices in Schools Division Offices and creates plantilla positions for Schools Division Counselors, School Counselors, and School Counselor Associates.
“The mental health and well-being of our learners require not only policies and programs but also people who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to respond to their needs. Through the Certificate in Guidance and Counseling, ATTC hopes to help strengthen the capacity of school personnel to provide meaningful and responsive support to learners,” the ATTC said.
Grounded in Theory and Practice
Designed for individuals with any bachelor’s degree, the CGC program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in guidance and counseling. Experiential learning is embedded throughout its five-subject curriculum, allowing participants to connect theory with practice through case studies, interactive workshops, and practicum experiences.
A key strength of the program is its core faculty composed of licensed psychologists and guidance counselors, who bring professional expertise and practical experience to the classroom. Their guidance enables participants to engage with counseling theories, contemporary approaches, ethical practices, and real-world helping situations from the perspective of practicing professionals.
The curriculum also focuses on developing essential competencies in self-awareness, empathy, effective communication, and helping relationships. Through experiential activities and supervised learning experiences, participants gain practical skills for responding appropriately to academic, emotional, social, and career-related concerns across diverse educational settings.
Upon completion of at least 18 units in Guidance and Counseling, qualified personnel may be able to serve as Guidance Counselor Associates, subject to the requirements and implementing rules of RA 12080.
Enrollment Begins in November
The Ateneo Teacher Training Center invites teachers, school personnel, and other professionals with a bachelor’s degree who wish to develop foundational competencies in guidance and counseling to enroll in the Certificate in Guidance and Counseling program.
Through the CGC program, ATTC continues its commitment to forming professionals who can contribute to more caring, responsive, and mentally healthy learning communities.
For enrollment details and program inquiries, visit the Ateneo Teacher Training Center or contact the ATTC office at (054) 881 4136 | attc@gbox.adnu.edu.ph
