SENATORIAL candidates from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are calling for focused reforms to uplift the education sector ahead of the new school year.

Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III emphasized that improving the quality of teachers is the first crucial step.

“Let’s improve their situation. If we can’t revise the Salary Standardization Law, then let’s at least provide bigger allowances,” Sotto said.

“Better-compensated teachers will have more motivation and ability to deliver quality education,” he added.

Senator Nancy Binay, also a member of the Alyansa and a lawyer by profession, suggested that teachers undergo regular training updates, similar to mandatory continuing legal education for lawyers.

“Often, our teachers ask for salary increases or chalk allowances, but we must also ensure their teaching methods are up to date. Sometimes, students end up knowing more than their teachers,” she noted.

“Quality education begins and ends with qualified teachers,” she added.

Binay also underscored the importance of student nutrition.

“Even the best teacher can’t help if the student is hungry or not physically and mentally ready to learn,” she said.

“Let’s focus on the basics first—teacher training and student nutrition—before going into advanced tools like tablets or computers,” she further stressed.

Addressing concerns about student safety, including a recent case where a student was killed by a fellow student, Binay urged caution in implementing drastic security measures.

“We don’t want our schools to feel like airports or war zones. Schools should be safe spaces. Isolated cases like that are unfortunate but should not define our overall approach to school security,” she explained.

Both senators agreed that while infrastructure and technology are important, real change begins with empowered educators and well-nourished, secure learners.

As the country prepares for the next school year post-election, the Alyansa reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for long-term reforms that directly impact both educators and students, ensuring public schools become places of true learning, safety, and growth.