SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating amendments to the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 4784) to elevate teaching standards and adapt to modern technological advancements, thereby improving the education system.

Senate Bill No. 2840, filed by Gatchalian, proposes alternative pathways for registering as professional teachers, including a licensure examination or the submission of a portfolio demonstrating compliance with professional teaching standards.

“The end goal is to create highly qualified and professional teachers who can enhance learner outcomes. With better teachers, we can expect significant improvements in education,” Gatchalian said.

He emphasized that the amendments aim to address evolving technologies and pedagogical innovations, ensuring the teaching profession remains relevant.

Under the bill, graduates of accredited teacher education centers with at least an 80% passing rate over the last five years may submit a portfolio to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) instead of taking the licensure exam. The PRC will set criteria for evaluating these portfolios.

A special provision also allows registration without examination for individuals with at least 10 years of teaching experience before the bill’s enactment, provided they submit a teaching experience portfolio for evaluation.

Within three years of the law’s enactment, eligible applicants can apply for registration and receive a professional identification card.