THE House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved a consolidated measure seeking to strengthen the Philippine Normal University (PNU), advancing a landmark reform that would establish the country’s permanent national institution for teacher education, research, and innovation as part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes for future generations of Filipino learners.
The approved measure consolidates House Bill No. 9399, principally authored by Reps. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, with House Bill No. 9403, principally authored by Reps. Percival “Perci” Cendaña, Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” Diokno, Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Kaka Bag-ao.
The proposal builds on nearly two decades of reforms that strengthened teacher education governance, standards, and quality assurance. Republic Act No. 9647 designated PNU as the National Center for Teacher Education, while Republic Act No. 11713 institutionalized the Teacher Education Council (TEC). Together with reforms in professional standards, licensure, and quality assurance, these measures strengthened the country’s teacher education system and laid the groundwork for improving the preparation of future educators.
Even so, one critical gap has remained. While governance and regulation have steadily improved, the country still lacks a permanent national academic institution mandated to lead long-term research, innovation, professional learning, and evidence-based improvement in teacher education.
To address this gap, the approved measure revises PNU’s charter and formally declares it the National University for Teacher Education (NUTE). More than a new designation, it strengthens the university’s legal, academic, and institutional foundations to serve as the State’s premier institution for teacher education by leading research, innovation, policy development, professional learning, and capacity-building in partnership with teacher education institutions and education agencies nationwide.
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Jude Acidre said the measure reflects the country’s growing recognition that lasting improvements in education require sustained investment not only in sound policies, but also in the institutions that prepare and continuously support the nation’s teachers:
“Every child deserves a great teacher. Great teachers do not emerge by accident. They are formed, supported, and inspired by strong institutions. That is what this measure is about. By strengthening the Philippine Normal University, we are strengthening the institution that will help shape generations of Filipino educators.”
Acidre added that strengthening teacher education ultimately means strengthening every Filipino learner:
“Every classroom shapes the future of our nation because every classroom is shaped by a teacher. If we want better learning outcomes for our children, we must continue strengthening the people who teach them and the institutions that prepare them. That is one of the most enduring investments we can make for the Filipino people.”
Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez, Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said strengthening PNU is an investment whose impact will extend far beyond the education sector:
“Every doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, scientist, artist, athlete, public servant, and community and student leader first learned from a teacher. When we strengthen the institution dedicated to preparing our educators, we strengthen the foundation upon which every other profession is built. In doing so, we strengthen the future of our nation.”
The approved measure now advances for consideration by the House of Representatives in plenary.
metrosundaily
