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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teacher training reform: DepEd, DBM launch Teacher Education Excellence Centers nationwide

Teacher training reform: DepEd, DBM launch Teacher Education Excellence Centers nationwide

Six universities to lead implementation

Published Mar 9, 2026 05:20 pm
DepEd Secretary and Teacher Education Council Chairperson Sonny Angara and Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo sign the DBM–TEC Joint Memorandum Circular establishing Teacher Education Excellence Centers (TEECs), a nationwide initiative aimed at modernizing teacher training and strengthening the quality of educators in the Philippines. (DepEd photo)
DepEd Secretary and Teacher Education Council Chairperson Sonny Angara and Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo sign the DBM–TEC Joint Memorandum Circular establishing Teacher Education Excellence Centers (TEECs), a nationwide initiative aimed at modernizing teacher training and strengthening the quality of educators in the Philippines. (DepEd photo)
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) formalized a landmark initiative on Monday, March 9, to modernize teacher education in the Philippines through the establishment of Teacher Education Excellence Centers (TEECs) nationwide.
DepEd Secretary and Teacher Education Council (TEC) Chairperson Sonny Angara and Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo signed the DBM–TEC Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2026, which provides fiscal support for the creation and implementation of the TEECs.
In a statement, DepEd said the centers are envisioned to serve as national research hubs, innovation laboratories, and training centers for teacher education.
Through the initiative, the government aims to bridge the gap between teacher training theories and the realities of classroom practice, DepEd added.
The TEECs, DepEd explained, will develop evidence-based training models, modernize teacher education curricula, and integrate advanced technology into educator preparation to strengthen the country’s teaching workforce.
Strengthening teacher quality nationwide
Angara said the initiative is a strategic reform aimed at improving the quality of teachers across the country.
“The establishment of Teacher Education Excellence Centers represents a strategic reform that will strengthen and elevate our teaching workforce across the country,” Angara said.
He emphasized that while improving infrastructure remains important, the quality of instruction delivered by teachers remains central to DepEd’s mission.
“Ito ay patunay ng ating sama-samang pagkilos upang iangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa (This is proof of our collective action to uplift the quality of education in the country),” Angara said.
“Sa pangunguna ni President Bongbong Marcos, patuloy nating isusulong ang mga repormang magtitiyak ng mas matibay na pundasyon para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga mag-aaral (Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, we will continue to advance reforms that will ensure a stronger foundation for the future of our students),” he added.
Six universities to lead implementation
To ensure nationwide coverage, the Teacher Education Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with six Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) that will serve as the program’s inaugural implementers.
These institutions include the following: Philippine Normal University – National Capital Region; University of the Philippines Los Baños – South Luzon; University of San Carlos – Visayas; Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology – Northern Mindanao; Caraga State University – Eastern Mindanao; and Cotabato State University – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
DepEd explained that the TEECs will function as the research and innovation arm of the Teacher Education Council, developing programs designed to respond to the specific needs and realities of Filipino classrooms.
The centers will support a wide range of education stakeholders, including pre-service and in-service teachers, teacher educators, school leaders, child development workers, student tutors, TVET trainers, multigrade teachers, and deans of colleges of education, DepEd added.
Implementing teacher education reform
DepEd said the initiative also operationalizes the mandates of Republic Act No. 11713, also known as the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, which aims to raise the standards of teacher education and professional development in the Philippines.
By establishing TEECs nationwide, DepEd and DBM aim to create a sustainable system for teacher training, research, and innovation, ultimately improving the quality of education delivered to Filipino learners.
TEC operates as a policy and coordinating body attached to DepEd for administrative supervision.

Related Tags

DepEd Teacher Education Excellence Centers TEEC Philippines teacher training reform DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara Filipino teachers Philippines education
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