PGCA Webinar Series: Crash Course Guidance and Counseling, 16 June 2020, by Francis Ray Subong, MEd, RGC, PGCA PRO.

ABSTRACT

Counseling in the Philippines has evolved to address the substantial influence of social illnesses such as poverty, increased population, unfulfilled basic needs (food, shelter, and safety), insufficient health care, mental health concerns due to socioeconomic deprivation, a high crime rate and low levels of safety, increased unemployment and underemployment, illiteracy, graft, corruption and bribery, unreliable social structures, and intense social injustice. (Dy-Liacco, Piedmont, Murray-Swank, Rodgerson, & Sherman, 2009). Prior to 2004, mental health workers did not need a license to practice nor was there a regulatory board to ensure adequate training and ethical practice (Tuason, et.al, 2012). Years after 2004, the practice of Guidance and Counseling is still unpopular and misunderstood. It is important to advocate and educate the general public and other stakeholders on the importance of this practice and profession.