Manila: Nearly 24,000 aspiring school principals took part in the 2025 National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) - Batch 2, as announced by the Department of Education (DepEd). This nationwide initiative, which saw the participation of approximately 23,994 candidates, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to enhance leadership within the basic education system.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the purpose of the assessment is to strengthen leadership capabilities and increase the number of qualified candidates for principal positions in schools. The NASH serves as a pivotal tool for assessing school leaders' readiness and identifying areas for professional development in line with the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH).

The NASH-Batch 2 assessment took place across 65 testing sites nationwide on May 17. To ensure the smooth execution of the assessment, at least 132 Central Office monitors were deployed. These monitors, alongside the NASH Technical Working Group, regional monitors, and Schools Division NASH focal persons, played crucial roles as facilitators, supervisors, and technical officers across all 17 regions.

In preparation for the official assessment, a nationwide Mock Assessment was conducted on May 10. This exercise was designed to acquaint examinees with the testing platform and ensure device compatibility, technical readiness, and system stability.

The initiative is part of a broader reform direction aimed at achieving the vision of 'One School, One School Principal,' as emphasized by Angara. The assessment not only seeks to expand the pool of qualified school leaders but also to bridge competency gaps through targeted professional development and leadership support programs.