Manila: The House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved a consolidated bill seeking to strengthen the Philippine Normal University (PNU) by formally designating it as the National University for Teacher Education (NUTE). The measure aims to establish the country's permanent national institution for teacher education, research, and innovation to help improve learning outcomes for future generations of Filipino learners.
According to Philippines News Agency, the panel consolidated House Bill 9399, principally authored by Reps. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, with House Bill 9403, principally authored by Reps. Percival "Perci" Cenda±a, Jose Manuel Tadeo "Chel" Diokno, Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Kaka Bag-ao. Under Republic Act 9647, PNU was designated as the National Center for Teacher Education, while Republic Act 11713 institutionalized the Teacher Education Council (TEC). Together with reforms in professional standards, licensure, and quality assurance, these laws strengthened the country's teacher education system and improved the preparation of future educators.
Lawmakers, however, noted that while governance and regulation have improved, the country still lacks a permanent national academic institution mandated to lead long-term research, innovation, professional learning, and evidence-based reforms in teacher education. To address this gap, the committee approved on Tuesday the consolidated bill revising PNU's charter and formally declaring it as the National University for Teacher Education.
The bill's proponents said the new designation would strengthen the university's legal, academic, and institutional foundations, enabling it to serve as the country's premier institution for teacher education by leading research, innovation, policy development, professional learning, and capacity-building in partnership with teacher education institutions and education agencies nationwide.
Acidre, who chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said the measure recognizes that improving education requires sustained investment not only in policies but also in the institutions that prepare and support teachers. "Every child deserves a great teacher. Great teachers do not emerge by accident. They are formed, supported, and inspired by strong institutions. That is what this measure is about. By strengthening the Philippine Normal University, we are strengthening the institution that will help shape generations of Filipino educators," he said in a statement Wednesday. Acidre said strengthening teacher education would benefit every Filipino learner.
"Every classroom shapes the future of our nation because every classroom is shaped by a teacher. If we want better learning outcomes for our children, we must continue strengthening the people who teach them and the institutions that prepare them. That is one of the most enduring investments we can make for the Filipino people."
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Vice Chairperson Andrew Julian Romualdez said strengthening PNU would have a lasting impact beyond the education sector. "Every doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, scientist, artist, athlete, public servant, and community and student leader first learned from a teacher. When we strengthen the institution dedicated to preparing our educators, we strengthen the foundation upon which every other profession is built. In doing so, we strengthen the future of our nation," he said.
The approved measure will now be transmitted to the House plenary for consideration.
