SEN. Joel Villanueva on Friday said exceptional teachers were crucial to nation-building.
“If we want this country to become truly great, we must focus on nurturing outstanding teachers, not just good ones,” Villanueva said during the 116th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Normal University.
“Research shows that the number one school-based factor in improving student success is a great teacher. We can nurture great teachers by raising the quality of programs that train teachers to teach,” he added.
Sen. Joel Villanueva. (PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO)
Villanueva expressed concern about the state of Philippine education, which he said was critical to the country’s long-term success.
The Congressional Commission on Education 2 (Edcom 2) Year 1 Report and the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment report reveal significant deficiencies, including poor performance in reading, math and science, along with the highest rates of loneliness and bullying among Filipino students.
Edcom 2 is a Philippine commission tasked to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s education sector.
The two reports showed that Filipino students possess the weakest critical thinking skills in the world.
Villanueva and fellow Edcom 2 Commissioner Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian are pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 2733, which would allow dual citizens to be appointed as faculty, researchers and administrators in state universities and colleges.
The initiative aims to leverage global expertise and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, thereby enhancing the overall quality of education.
“There is greatness in every Filipino. There is greatness in teaching. There are 1.2 million Filipino teachers, and I would say it is a force to reckon with. A force to make our country great again,” Villanueva said.
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