The Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation kicked off public hearings on Tuesday to discuss proposed changes to the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994. The goal is to elevate the professional standards and increase the number of qualified educators across the nation. A photograph from 2022 showcased teachers at a public school in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve the teaching profession.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who led the hearing, stressed the importance of updating the system to reflect the latest developments and innovations in education. He noted that it has been 21 years since the last amendment, and the current proposal aims to ensure that the law remains relevant to contemporary educational needs.
Key amendments under consideration include raising the qualifications for members of the Board for Professional Teachers to at least a master’s degree in education or a related field. Additionally, the proposals suggest alternative routes for teacher certification and licensure, allowing those with previous teaching experience or graduates from accredited institutions to bypass the licensure exam if they meet certain competency standards.
The proposed changes also aim to define more precise examination scopes for different educational levels and introduce new areas of specialization as advised by the Teacher Education Council. Other significant provisions include mandatory refresher courses for those who fail the licensure exam three times, immediate release of exam questions and answers post-test, and public disclosure of teacher education institutions’ performance in licensure exams.
Mario Bermudez, from the Department of Education’s Bureau of Human Resources and Organizational Development, voiced support for the amendments, noting their intent to align teacher training with professional standards, enhance the licensure system, and hold teacher education institutions accountable for their graduates’ outcomes.
Runvi Manguerra, Executive Director of the Teachers Education Council, believes that these amendments will lead to a more responsive, dynamic, and effective system for preparing and supporting teachers in the Philippines. He emphasized that a robust and effective teaching workforce is crucial for a thriving education system.
The Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act, enacted to promote the development and professionalization of teachers, also oversees the licensure examination for teachers. It was partially amended in 2004 by RA 9293, which made specific revisions to the law.