Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday, May 20 welcomed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for opening 16,000 new teaching positions for public schools for school year 2025-2026 as this is critical in addressing the country’s learning crisis. 

“We laud the DBM for authorizing the Department of Education (DepEd) to hire 16,000 additional teachers this year,” Villanueva said in a statement.

“In a country where education is the linchpin of progress, hiring motivated and effective teachers has never been more critical,” he said. 

Villanueva said ensuring there is an adequate number of educators is essential to addressing the learning crisis—especially in light of recent findings that 18 million Filipinos are functionally illiterate.

“We have long advocated for the immediate filling of vacant government positions, noting that one in every ten remains unfilled. This is particularly urgent in the education sector,” he said.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian agreed, saying the DBM’s move is crucial in meeting the DepEd’s manpower needs. 

But while these positions are available, it is equally crucial to ensure that these new teaching positions are filled. 

“I am reiterating my call for the DepEd to urgently revise its recruitment, selection, and appointment guidelines to substantially reduce the current average hiring period of six months,” Gatchalian said.

“Sa pagsugpo natin ng krisis sa edukasyon, patuloy nating pagsikapang may sapat at mahuhusay na mga guro sa mga paaralan (As we combat the education crisis, let us continue to strive to have enough and qualified teachers in schools),” he added.

On the other hand, Villanueva, Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), said there is also a pressing need for special education teachers, guidance counselors and administrative staff—“roles where shortages are also evident.”

“We will work closely with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and remain committed to ensuring that excellent educators are on the frontlines of shaping the next generation,” Villanueva said.

“To support this goal, we passed Republic Act No. 11713, or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, to improve the quality of teacher education through the strengthening of the Teacher Education Council. This law also establishes scholarship programs and promotes the continuing professionalization of teachers,” he said.

“There will be no letup in our efforts to support their professional growth and create more opportunities for career advancement—ensuring a more diverse, well-trained, and highly qualified pool of Filipino educators,” Villanueva stressed.