MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is considering new pathways for professionals to obtain teaching licenses, a move seen as a way to enhance senior high school education in the country.

During a recent hearing on Senate Bill No. 2840, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian proposed amending the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 4784) to allow individuals to qualify either by passing a licensure exam or by submitting a portfolio demonstrating their competence in professional teaching standards.

“The world is changing, and specialization now is more important than ever. For example, if we introduce tech-voc into our curriculum, we need teachers who specialize in it,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

One challenge highlighted during the discussion was the difficulty of finding teachers for specialized courses, such as graphic design and computer technology in senior high school. 

The lawmaker likewise noted tha a technical college in Valenzuela, for instance, has struggled to recruit instructors for these subjects despite the availability of industry professionals interested in teaching.

Under the proposed measure, experienced professionals, particularly in technical and vocational fields, could transition into teaching roles, potentially bridging skill gaps and aligning the education system with workforce demands.