SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, the professional development arm of the Department of Education, to enhance training programs for school principals to better support them in fulfilling their roles.

“Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng mga mahuhusay na punong-guro upang paghusayin ang performance ng ating mga guro at mga mag-aaral. Mahalagang matugunan natin ang kakulangan ng mga punong-guro sa ating mga paaralan, lalo na’t makakaapekto ito sa pagsisikap nating iangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa,” said Gatchalian.

The senator highlighted the urgency of updating policies to address the gap in principal positions.

Recent data revealed that only 20,718 out of 45,918 public schools nationwide currently have filled principal positions, with the remaining 24,480 managed by Teachers-In-Charge who often require additional training and support.

Based on 1997 staffing standards, principals are assigned to elementary schools with at least nine teachers and secondary schools with at least six teachers.

According to Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral, DepEd is finalizing updated standards with the assistance of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to ensure that every public school has a principal.