Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Filipino teachers--whom she described as the "fountain of our youth’s lasting knowledge and skills"--should be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the world in the field of science and mathematics.
Arroyo filed House Bill (HB) No.487, also known as the proposed “Developing Globally Competitive Science and Mathematics Teachers Act of 2022”.
Through the measure, the former president and House speaker wants to encourage local science and mathematics teachers to improve their competencies through added incentives.
Arroyo called the measure her "special gift" to teachers and the Filipino youth for this year’s celebration of Teachers’ Day on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
The bill seeks to advance the specialization of science and math teachers, and sustain their interest and encourage them to stay in the profession. It likewise aims to encourage students to pursue a career in teaching mathematics and science.
Among the important provisions of HB No.487 is the grant of scholarships and continuing specialized trainings to teachers presently teaching science and math, offering higher starting pay to certified math and science teachers, and allowing new graduates majoring in science and math to teach even before passing the licensure examination for teacher (LET).
“In effect, this bill will ensure that teaching in the fields of science and mathematics will be as competitive as those of other professions, and thus increase the number of competent teachers who will prepare Filipinos for global excellence,” the senior deputy speaker said.
The filing of the bill was also Arroyo's way of paying tribute to all teachers for their invaluable contribution in molding the Filipino youth.