After a prolonged online learning, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday backed the immediate implementation of the Excellence in Teacher Education Act under the Marcos administration.
CHR executive director and spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the agency joins the call of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for the next administration to prioritize implementation of the law.
“CHR is hopeful that this intensified preparation for incoming and current teachers will respond to the needs in the basic education sector,” she said.
Republic Act 11713 enhances the mandate and functions of the Teacher Education Council and seeks to level up the standards of institutions that provide teacher education.
It mandates the establishment of Teacher Education Centers of Excellence in key places in each region to provide innovative and relevant education and training programs for incoming and current teachers.
“The Commission believes that this will provide quality support and evidence-based professional development that will genuinely upgrade the quality of teachers,” De Guia said.
Under the law, the provision of scholarship for qualified basic education graduates and tertiary level students is another key feature to help attract more young people to pursue teaching while also promoting equal opportunity to earn an education degree, especially among less privileged students.
“CHR recognizes the commitment of the government to provide quality education with the enactment of the RA 11713 especially during this crucial period of recovery,” De Guia said.
“We believe that it is an opportune time for the incoming administration to jumpstart the reforms in the education sector. We are hopeful of its swift implementation to ensure good foundation for teachers who will propel forward the quality of education,” she added.
CHR believes that teachers are the lifeblood of fulfilling the right to education.
The law was signed early in 2022 to codify the ways to concretely invest in the education of our educators toward the attainment of a caliber education.
“During the pandemic, the prolonged long distance learning further impacted the quality of education in the country,” De Guia lamented.
“Certain compromises and modifications in the education sector were made due the limitations and challenges of remote learning. It is crucial to catch up and urgently address the gaps in the quality of education to ensure that learners are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to access better opportunities in life,” she noted.