Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a bill that seeks further amendments to the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 7836), a measure that introduces reforms on the licensure examination for teachers.

Senate Bill No. 52 expands the membership of the Board for Professional Teachers and introduces separate examinations for special needs and early childhood education on top of those administered for the elementary and secondary levels. The bill further authorizes the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), in coordination with the Teacher Education Council (TEC), to prescribe the scope of examinations for other applicable fields of specialization and the corresponding qualifications. Those who fail to pass the licensure examination two times will also be required to take a refresher course.

The proposed measure requires applicants to submit a portfolio demonstrating their professional teaching standards for the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT). The bill also empowers the Teachers Education Council (TEC) to set guidelines for preparing, assessing, and evaluating the portfolio.

“Mahalagang masigurong handa at may sapat na kakayahan at kaalaman ang ating mga guro, lalo na ngayong patuloy na nagbabago ang paraan ng pagtuturo,” said Gatchalian, Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN