Quezon city: The Department of Education (DepEd)-Teacher Education Council (TEC) has partnered with the Commission on Higher Education's Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education to launch the PHP103.32-million Teacher Education Scholarship Program (TESP). The memorandum of agreement was signed at the Professional Regulation Commission-NCR Office shortly after the 2026 First Council Meeting.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of this financial assistance in supporting 720 aspiring teachers across the nation. The program aims to help these individuals complete their degrees, obtain teaching licenses, and fill classroom positions where they are most needed. Secretary Angara stated, "President Bongbong Marcos has repeatedly emphasized that education is the foundation of national development. This scholarship program turns that vision into action by investing in the people who will shape the next generation of Filipinos."
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted the partnership's role in addressing existing challenges in the education sector. She noted, "We cannot fix the gaps in our education system without supporting the people who hold it together - our teachers. This is a deliberate effort to bring top talent into the teaching profession and ensure that our schools have the skilled educators our students deserve."
The program's pilot implementation will offer financial support to students pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education, Values Education, and Special Needs Education. These specializations have been identified as critical areas requiring additional support to ensure learners receive age-appropriate, values-centered, and inclusive education.
The TESP is a key initiative of the TEC under Republic Act 11713, known as the Excellence in Teacher Education Act of 2022. The legislation aims to enhance teacher preparation and elevate standards across the teaching profession.
