Senator Joel Villanueva has expressed concern about the state of education in the Philippines, stating that it is crucial for the country’s long-term success.
During the 116th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine Normal University on Friday, August 23, 2024, Villanueva emphasized the need for exceptional teachers in today’s world, highlighting the crucial role of future educators in building a prosperous nation.
As a member of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2), Villanueva is advocating for substantial reforms to improve the quality of teacher education and training.
He emphasized the importance of nurturing outstanding teachers, citing research showing that the number one school-based factor in improving student success is a great teacher.
“If we want this country to become truly great, we must focus on nurturing outstanding teachers, not just good ones,” he said.
Villanueva also addressed the deficiencies revealed in the EDCOM 2 Year 1 Report and the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) Report, which include poor performance in reading, math, and science, as well as weak critical thinking skills among Filipino students.
To address these issues, Villanueva, alongside Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, is championing Senate Bill No. 2733, which aims to allow dual citizens to be appointed as faculty, researchers, and administrators in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). This initiative seeks to leverage global expertise and enhance the overall quality of education.
Villanueva believes that investing in exceptional teachers will lead to a brighter future for the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the 1.2 million Filipino teachers in making the country great again.
