SENATOR Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the Teacher in Every Barrio (TIB) Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing persistent teacher shortages, especially in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas (GIDAs).

Filed as Senate Bill No. 1317, the measure proposes a comprehensive approach to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education regardless of location.

The program will establish targeted scholarships for aspiring teachers from underserved communities, provide incentives for deployment, and recognize alternative teaching pathways to address the shortage of qualified educators.

Two scholarship tracks will be offered: a Pre-Service Teacher Education Scholarship for students from remote and indigenous communities, with a return-to-service requirement, and a Graduate Education Scholarship for in-service teachers under the TIB Program to pursue further studies while continuing their service.

To ensure retention, the bill also provides fair compensation, housing assistance, hazard pay, professional development opportunities, and access to teaching materials.

Licensed teachers may voluntarily apply for deployment to GIDAs, with preference given to residents or those willing to live in these communities.

The bill also allows the provisional hiring of non-licensed education graduates, as well as the participation of respected indigenous elders as Indigenous Knowledge Educators, in accordance with the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act.

Aquino stressed that the measure is anchored on the findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which identified the uneven distribution of teachers as a major barrier to learning outcomes.

“By investing in local talent and supporting teachers where they are most needed, we can reduce dropout rates, improve equity in education, and ensure that no Filipino child is left behind,” he said.

The proposed program will be jointly implemented by DepEd, the Teacher Education Council, Teacher Education Institutions, and local government units, and will be integrated into national and local education planning.

Funding will initially come from DepEd’s appropriations under the national budget, with provisions for sustained allocations in succeeding years.