SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concerns over the alarming shortage of school principals across the country, as revealed in the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s Year Two Report.

The report found that 55% of the 45,199 schools under the Department of Education do not have assigned principals, leaving leadership responsibilities to head teachers, teachers-in-charge, or officers-in-charge.

Gatchalian emphasized the crucial role that school principals play in implementing reforms and improving student performance. He warned that the current leadership gap could hinder efforts to enhance the quality of education nationwide.

“This is an alarming situation that requires urgent attention,” he said, stressing that principals are essential in driving school-level improvements.

According to the senator, one of the main causes of the shortage is outdated staffing policies, which have remained unchanged since 1997.

He called for an immediate review and update of these policies to align with DepEd’s goal of achieving a 1:1 principal-to-school ratio.

Gatchalian also highlighted the need to create more opportunities for head teachers, TICs, and OICs to be promoted to principal positions.

To address the issue, Gatchalian reaffirmed his support for institutionalizing the Career Progression System, which would provide a clearer path for teachers aspiring to move into school administration and supervision roles.

He argued that a well-structured career development system would encourage more educators to step into leadership roles, strengthening the overall education system.

The senator stressed that having a well-qualified principal in every school is critical to ensuring effective school management and better student outcomes.

Without proper leadership, he warned, schools may struggle to implement policies aimed at improving the quality of education nationwide.

With education reform remaining a priority in Congress, Gatchalian vowed to push for legislative measures that would address the shortage of school principals. He called on stakeholders, including DepEd and lawmakers, to take swift action to resolve the issue and ensure that all schools receive the leadership they need to succeed.