MANILA, Philippines — As the new academic year begins, Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for stronger support systems for teachers to ensure the success of ongoing education reforms under the Department of Education.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, made the call following the rollout of key programs this school year, including the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Program, which will be piloted in 800 schools, and the phased implementation of the revised K to 12 (MATATAG) curriculum for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

“Sa ating mga guro nakasalalay ang tagumpay ng mga repormang nais nating ipatupad sa ating sistema ng edukasyon. Kailangang suportahan natin sila upang matiyak nating epektibo sila sa kanilang tungkuling tiyaking natututo ang ating mga kabataan,” Gatchalian said.

The senator underscored the need for enhanced teacher training and access to quality learning and instructional materials. He also advocated for reducing teachers’ administrative burdens by adopting more digital tools and hiring additional non-teaching personnel to handle clerical tasks.

Gatchalian emphasized that improving teachers’ working conditions is crucial to the effective implementation of reforms and to boosting overall learning outcomes for students.