Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a bill aimed at enhancing the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 7836) by introducing reforms to the licensure examination for teachers.

Senate Bill No. 52 seeks to expand the membership of the Board for Professional Teachers and establish separate examinations for special needs and early childhood education, in addition to the existing elementary and secondary level exams. The bill also authorizes the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), in coordination with the Teacher Education Council (TEC), to determine the scope of examinations for other fields of specialization and the corresponding qualifications. Under the proposed measure, applicants who fail the licensure exam twice would be required to undergo a refresher course.

The bill also introduces a requirement for applicants to submit a portfolio demonstrating professional teaching standards as part of the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT). The TEC will be empowered to establish guidelines for preparing, assessing, and evaluating these portfolios.

“Mahalagang masigurong handa at may sapat na kakayahan at kaalaman ang ating mga guro, lalo na ngayong patuloy na nagbabago ang paraan ng pagtuturo,” said Gatchalian, Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.