Focus on teacher training, DepEd urged

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian (File photo from the Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines The incoming Marcos administration should focus on ensuring quality education and sufficient training for teachers to address the education crisis hounding the country, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said on Monday.

In a statement, Gatchalian called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to prioritize the “immediate and effective” implementation of the newly signed Republic Act No. 11713, or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act.

“If teachers have a good foundation, we can be assured of the delivery of good quality teaching for our learners,” he said.

Gatchalian expressed optimism that the incoming education secretary, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, has the political capital to implement reforms in the education sector, such as those contained in RA 11713.

The new law, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed on April 27, seeks to revamp the Teacher Education Council and improve the quality of teacher education and training, Gatchalian said.

—MELVIN GASCON

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