TIMELINE :

THE HISTORY
Of

Counseling
IN THE PHILIPPINES
The integration of counseling practices within the social work profession in the
Philippines has a rich history. Here's a timeline highlighting key milestones:

PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD
Prior 1521
The history of counseling in the
Philippines traces back to pre-colonial
times, where indigenous communities
practiced traditional healing and
guidance methods.

Indigenous help-seeking practices

characterized by superstition, reliance on
elders, faith healers, and belief in the
supernatural.

SPANISH COLONIZATION
(1521-1898)
Religious conquest by Spanish colonizers,
leading to the introduction of Roman
Catholicism. Limited development of formal
counseling structures.

Counseling was conducted within the context of

religious guidance provided by priests or elders
within the community. Additionally, indigenous
help-seeking practices rooted in superstition and
reliance on elders may have persisted alongside
the influence of Spanish Catholicism.

AMERICAN OCCUPATION
(1898-1941) 1920s
The form of counseling during this
period was primarily influenced by
American models, particularly those
developed within the context of the
emerging field of psychology in the
United States.
One notable development was the
establishment of guidance services and the first
psychological clinic at the University of the
Philippines. Initial growth in counseling
interrupted by Japanese occupation (1941-1944).

POST-WORLD WAR II ERA

(1940s-1960s)
Establishment of Academic Programs:
Academic programs in counseling were
established, focusing on training counselors
and psychologists to address the needs of the
Filipino population.

Resumption of counselor training and

academic programs influenced by U.S.
education. Formation of key counseling
associations: Psychological Association of the
Philippines and Philippine Guidance and
Counseling Association.

INDIGENIZATION
(1940s-1960s)

Emphasis on adapting counseling models to

Philippine culture and social issues.
Establishment of additional counseling
organizations: Philippine Association for
Counselor Education, Research, and
Supervision, and Career Development
Association of the Philippines.
 POST-MARTIAL LAW PERIOD
(1986 onwards)
Advocacy for social justice amidst
political instability and economic
challenges.

Advocacy for social justice amidst political

instability and economic challenges.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

ACT OF 2004
Republic Act No. 9258
Signifies a significant milestone in
professionalizing counseling in the
Philippines.

Creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of

Guidance and Counseling.

PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY
ACT OF 2009
Republic Act No. 10029
Recognition of the distinction between
counselors and psychologists.

Further regulation of the counseling profession,

alongside the establishment of a regulatory
board for psychologists.

CURRENT STATUS AND

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Counseling practices reflect family orientation

and integration of indigenous and Western
therapeutic approaches.

Ongoing efforts towards professional

development, accessibility, and addressing
societal issues such as poverty, overseas
working, and political instability.

REFERENCES
Go, S. P. (1998). Towards the 21st century: Whither Philippine
labor
migration. In B. V. Carino (Ed.), Filipino workers on the move:
Trends, dilemmas and policy options (pp. 9–44). Quezon City,
Philippines: Philippine Migration Research Network.

Grimm, S. D., Church, A. T., Katigbak, M. S., & Reyes, J. A.

(1999). Self-described traits, values, and moods associ�ated with
individualism and collectivism. Testing I-C theory
in an individualistic (U.S.) and a collectivistic (Philippine)
culture. Journal for Cross-Cultural Psychology, 30, 466–500.
doi:10.1177/0022022199030004005

Guidance and Counseling Act. (2004). Republic Act No. 9258.

Retrieved from
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/
ra_9258_2004.html

Kabiling, G. (2010). Arroyo signs Psychology Act. Manila Bulletin

Publishing Corporation. Retrieved from
http://www.mb.com.ph/
node/249405/new-law-profe
National Statistics Office, Republic of the Philippines. (2010).
Philippines in figures. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov.
ph/data/publications/2010PIF.pdf