As the education sector observed National Teachers’ Month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the country’s teachers to help students become critical thinkers and eventually as competent leaders of the nation.
“When we speak of improving Philippine education, it is essential that we speak of supporting and strengthening the capabilities of the teachers who make learning possible. The most important part of our education system are the teachers. The tools you use may continue to change. Technology, AI will change how our children learn, but it cannot replace a teacher who guides them in deciding what is true, what is important and what is right,” Marcos said in his speech at the Teacher Education Council’s Celebrating Teacher Excellence: A National Teachers’ Month 2026 Celebration.
He went on: “As we prepare our learners for the future, I implore you to help shape learners to become critical thinkers who question, discern, make sound decisions and at the same time remaining compassionate and mindful of others. We want capable young Filipinos who will one day lead our communities, our institutions, our country and lead with wisdom, competence and with empathy.”
He assured that the government will continue supporting teachers and the education sector, as he cited the improved mean scores of Filipino students in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment in reading, mathematics and science in 2025.
“We have done much already to change the course of Philippine education. I believe that we have made some progress, and the recent PISA result is solid proof. It validates what we are doing and that what we have started has an effect,” the President said.
He acknowledged that much work needs to be done and that there are “gaps in how our teachers are prepared and are developed.”
“While training does not always respond to the realities they face in the classroom, we will try to remedy that. Because teachers do more than just teach lessons. For many of our children, they become second parents in school helping create environments where learners feel safe, supported and cared for,” Marcos said.
In addition, the government will continue to improve school security and safety, in collaboration with parents, communities, and other stakeholders.
“We will continue to work to make our schools more secure, more responsive to the needs of our learners. At the same time, we continue to improve teacher preparation and professional development throughout your careers,” the President said.