SENATOR Joel Villanueva underscored the pivotal role of future educators in nation-building, emphasizing the need for exceptional teachers in today’s world.

“If we want this country to become truly great, we must focus on nurturing outstanding teachers, not just good ones,” Villanueva stated.

The senator expressed concern over the state of Philippine education, viewing it as critical to the country’s long-term success.

The EDCOM 2 Year 1 Report and the 2022 PISA Report revealed significant deficiencies, including poor performance in reading, math, and science, along with the highest rates of loneliness and bullying among Filipino students.

The reports also pointed out a troubling trend: the Philippines ranks among the weakest in the world in critical thinking skills.

As a Commissioner on the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), Villanueva is pushing for significant reforms to enhance the quality of teacher education and training.

“Research shows that the number one school-based factor in improving student success is a great teacher,” Villanueva emphasized. “We can nurture great teachers by raising the quality of programs that train teachers to teach.”

Villanueva, together with fellow EDCOM 2 Commissioner Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, is championing Senate Bill No. 2733, which would allow dual citizens to be appointed as faculty, researchers, and administrators in State Universities and Colleges. This initiative aims to leverage global expertise and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, thereby improving the overall quality of education.

Villanueva believes that investing in exceptional teachers will pave the way for a brighter future for the Philippines.

“There is greatness in every Filipino. There is greatness in teaching. With 1.2 million Filipino teachers, this is a force to reckon with—a force that can make our country great again,” Villanueva concluded.