School counseling is widely implemented throughout the globe but there are still struggles and challenges in implementing guidance programs and guidance services in schools. These challenges are considered in planning guidance programs in schools to provide holistic development to our students and the stakeholders. With the current challenges to the guidance counselors in providing services to clients school, the pandemic became a bigger obstacle in providing services to the students.

 

The pandemic brought mental stress not just to parents but also to the students. With the usual challenges to the guidance counselors to facilitate programs and counseling, the absence of the students in the schools hindered our counselors to perceive the needs of students but that made the guidance counselors innovators in pursuit of providing services to the students. Planning and different approaches were made to make sure that each students will get access to the services and help they need during these times.

As our Department of Education and Commission on High Education make sure that learnings of our students will continue, Counselors continue in providing services in ways that will be accessible to students. Online and offline approaches we planned for the services to be accessible, modules and brochures to provide informative materials to the students for offline approach to promote well-being to our students. Social media and video conferencing platforms were utilized to make sure that students will be able to contact counselor during these times.

Guidance Counselors continues to provide services despite challenges before and during pandemic in pursuit of promoting the holistic development and well-being our students.

By: Mr. Aldjem B. Roque | Psychometrician | Balanga City, Bataan