SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is considering alternative pathways for professionals to become licensed teachers, a move he believes could enhance senior high school education.

Gatchalian raised the proposal during a hearing on Senate Bill No. 2840, which seeks to amend the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 4784) and introduce alternative routes for individuals to become registered professional teachers.

Under the proposed measure, applicants could qualify either by passing a licensure exam or by submitting a portfolio demonstrating they meet professional teaching standards.

“The world is changing, and specialization is now more important than ever. For example, if we integrate tech-voc courses into our curriculum, we need teachers who specialize in those fields,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

He cited the case of a technical college in Valenzuela that aims to offer graphic design and computer courses at the senior high school level. However, finding qualified teachers for these subjects remains a challenge.

“Even though there are graphic designers who want to teach in senior high school, there’s currently no pathway for them to do so. We need to align our laws and policies with our goals, and right now, our goal is to strengthen senior high school,” Gatchalian added.