SENATOR Joel Villanueva on Tuesday lauded the Department of Budget and Management for authorizing the Department of Education to hire 16,000 new teachers this year, emphasizing that the move is a critical step in addressing the country’s deepening education crisis.

“In a country where education is the linchpin of progress, hiring motivated and effective teachers has never been more critical,” Villanueva said in a statement.

He stressed that boosting the number of educators is vital to addressing the alarming learning gaps in the Philippines, particularly as recent reports show that around 18 million Filipinos are functionally illiterate.

Villanueva, who also serves as Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), pointed out that filling vacant government positions has long been a key advocacy of his office.

He noted that around 10% of government positions remain unfilled, with vacancies in the education sector being among the most urgent.

“Beyond classroom teachers, there is also a pressing need for special education teachers, guidance counselors, and administrative staff—roles where shortages are clearly evident,” he added.

The senator reaffirmed his support for DepEd, especially under the incoming leadership of Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, vowing to work closely to ensure that well-trained and excellent educators are at the forefront of building the nation’s future.

To reinforce this commitment, Villanueva cited the passage of Republic Act No. 11713 or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, which he authored and championed.

The law aims to raise the quality of teacher education by strengthening the Teacher Education Council, establishing scholarship programs, and promoting continuous professional development.

“There will be no letup in our efforts to support their professional growth and create more opportunities for career advancement—ensuring a more diverse, well-trained, and highly qualified pool of Filipino educators,” Villanueva concluded.