SENATE Committee on Basic Education chairman Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training and certification of Technical-vocational livelihood teachers in senior high schools to improve the quality of training under the TVL track of the senior high school program.

“The training and certification of TVL teachers are part of efforts to improve the quality of TVL training and boost the employability of senior high school graduates,” Gatchalian said.

Under the 2024 national budget, the Department of Education received P50 million to train and certify senior high school teachers under the TVL track.

Gatchalian added that the training and certification for DepEd’s TVL teachers would ensure that the TVL track of the senior high school program aligns with TESDA’s standards.

“Kasabay ng pag-angat natin sa kalidad ng pagsasanay para sa mga senior high school learners, pati na rin sa kanilang kahandaang magtrabaho, isinusulong din natin ang angkop na training at certification para sa mga TVL teachers ng DepEd. Kaya naman iminungkahi natin ang paglalaan ng pondo para mabigyan ang ating mga senior high school TVL teachers ng kaukulang training mula sa TESDA,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also pushed for the free assessment and certification of senior high school learners under the TVL track, which is provided for under the 2024 national budget.

The lawmaker hopes that the certification of senior high school learners under the TVL track would increase their chances of getting good-quality jobs after graduation.

Analysis from the senator’s office revealed that 50% of senior high school graduates from the TVL track are employed in elementary occupations such as vendors, cleaners, domestic helpers, car and window washers, and street sweepers.