Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday underscored the role of the Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Programme (KPTEP) in enhancing the global competitiveness of Filipino teachers through international collaboration and professional development. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative equips educators with world-class competencies that directly benefit Filipino learners. "President Bongbong Marcos has always prioritized the global competitiveness of our labor force, and empowering our teachers is the first step toward achieving that goal," Angara said in a statement.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program forms part of the administration's broader efforts to uphold teacher welfare and strengthen the quality of education in the country. Implemented since 2012, the KPTEP promotes intercultural communicative competence, mutual understanding, and stronger educational ties between the Philippines and South Korea. The initiative is carried out through DepEd's partnership with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding.
"Through international cooperation programs like this, we are able to equip our instructional leaders with world-class competencies that directly benefit our learners," Angara said. To date, the teacher exchange program has facilitated the participation of around 330 educators, including about 190 Filipino teacher delegates deployed to the ROK. Meanwhile, around 140 Korean teacher delegates have also been welcomed in the Philippines.
