Igniting the Path: Ateneo Counselors Pass Licensure with Distinction and Heart
By: Mylene Louise C. Santiago (GS Counselor)
Unlike other licensure exams, the Guidance and Counseling licensure is more challenging because it requires candidates to be master’s degree holders. This means one must first complete a four-year undergraduate program (such as Psychology) before pursuing another academic journey to earn a master’s degree, which is a prerequisite to taking the licensure exam.
However, the process doesn’t end with meeting the academic requirements. Becoming a guidance counselor is truly a calling—one that engages not just the mind, but also the heart. To succeed in this profession, a counselor must develop strategies and techniques to effectively listen to others, understand their emotions, and interpret non-verbal cues. While counseling skills can be taught and learned, applying these skills in real-life situations is where the true challenge and fulfillment lie.
Earning a counseling license is not just a personal achievement; it is a key that opens the door to a broader and longer journey—one of becoming a channel to help others help themselves.
On August 5 and 6, 2025, the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted the Licensure Exam for Guidance and Counseling. This event was both a great blessing and a significant milestone. Two Ateneo Hearter counselors took the exam: Mr. Darius Kenny A. Sasan from the Grade School Department and Mr. John Henric D. Salva from the Junior High School Department. Their motivation went beyond intellectual preparation—they approached the exam with their hearts fully committed to becoming licensed Guidance Counselors. Because of their dedication and passion, both successfully passed the licensure exam, earned their licenses, and officially became Registered Guidance Counselors.
However, the accomplishment did not stop there. Mr. Darius Kenny A. Sasan from the Grade School Department achieved an even greater distinction by securing the second top national rating with an overall score of 88.85%. This achievement speaks not only to his competence—one of the four key “C’s” valued in Ateneo—but also to “heart intelligence.” This concept, often embraced in education, spirituality, and leadership, represents wisdom guided by compassion, making the accomplishment truly holistic and meaningful.
Their accomplishment brings great pride to the Ateneo community and highlights the essential role of guidance counselors in nurturing students’ personal and academic growth. In celebration of its 70 years of forming men and women for others, the school has consistently sought guidance counselors who possess not only professional skills but also a genuine heart to serve. As they continue their vocation, they carry with them not only professional competence but also the Ignatian spirit of service.
Always Magis, Always Lux Oriens, Always Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
