The Historical

Development of
Teaching as a
Profession in the
Philippines
Pre-Hispanic Period

 There was no established

formal schooling
 There was no formal
preparation for teachers
 Parents or tribal leaders
served as the teacher
Pre-Hispanic Period

AIMS: LIFE SKILLS

 Security and survival

 Conformity (adherence to
moral code of the group)
 Preservation and
transmission of traditions
 Spanish Period

 Free public school system was

established ( Educational Decree of
1863)
 Highly religious centered
 Teachers are spanish missionaries
 Normal school - run by the Jesuits -
educate male teachers
 Normal schools for women were
established (1875)
 American Regime

 American soldiers served as the

first teachers
 Philippine Commision - Enacted
ACT 74 - created Department of
Puclic Instruction
 Thomasites became teachers
due to the shortage of teachers
 American Regime

 Due to urgent needs for

teachers, Filipinos (bright ones)
were given an opportunities to
be educated in American
Colleges/ Universities financed
by the goverment
 American Regime

 In 1901, Philippine Normal

School (Manila) was established
(2 years preparation)
 In 1949 teachers preparation
became 4 years and renamed
PNS to Philippine Normal
College (1949)
 Marcos Regime

 P.D. 1006 of 1976 ( then

President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.)
- Known as decree of
professionalizing teaching
 Congressional Commission to Review
and Assess Philippine Education ( EDCOM) 1994

Findings:

 Quality of Philippine education is declining

 Teachers are the heart of the problem
Why is that the teachers are the heart of the
problem?

 Teachers are poorly trained

 There are low quality of students enrolled
 Teaching is perceived as poorly esteemed professsion
 R.A. 7836
 otherwise known as the
Philippine Teacher
Professionalization Act of 1994.
 Licensure Examination for
Teachers becomes mandatory
PRESIDENTIAL
DECREE NO. 1006
“Providing for the professionalization of teachers ,
regulating their practice in the Plippines and for
other purposes.”
Presidential Decree no. 1006

WHEREAS:

1.) “All educational institutions shall be under the supervision of; and subject to
regulation by, the State”,

and requires that “the State shall establish and maintain

a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to the goals of
national development”;

2.) in the pursuit on these objectives, the Department of Education and

Culture has adopted ways and means of overseeing all the educational institutions
in the country;
Presidential Decree no. 1006

WHEREAS:

3.) this supervisory function of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) has been
primarily beamed towardsinsuring that the educational institutions inculcate
in the studentry love of the country, teach the duties of citizenship, and develop
moral character, personal discipline, and scientific, technological and vocational
efficiency.;

4.) to implement these objectives, the institutions have relied upon their teachers whose
direct and continuing interaction with the young people and the children make them
potent forces for the development of proper attitudes among the citizenry;

5.) this accounts for the tremendous growth of the teaching population, comprising
in the civil service sector alone more than 300,000 teachers deployed all over the
country;
Presidential Decree no. 1006

WHEREAS:

6.) to insure that in the immediacy and urgency of teacher recruitment qualitative
requirements are not overlooked, it has become necessary to regulate the
teaching profession;

7.) although teaching requires a number of years of collegiate study, it is the only
course that it is not yet considered a profession;

8.) in recognition of the vital role of teachers in nation-building and as an incentive

to raise the morale of teachers, it is imperative that they be considered as
professionalsand teaching be recognized as a profession.
NOW, THEREFORE, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines,
by virtue of the powers vested in him by the Constitution, do hereby decree and
order:

 Section 1. Title. This Decree shall be known as the Decree Professionalizing

Teaching.

 Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy that teacher

education shall be given primary concern and attention by the government
and shall be of the highest quality, and strongly oriented to Philippine
conditions and to the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people even as it
seeks enrichment from adoptable ideas and practices of other people.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Decree, the following shall be
construed as follows:

(a) Teaching- refers to the profession primarily concerned with the classroom
instruction.

(b) Teacher- refers to all persons engaged in teaching at the elementary and secondary
levels.

(c) Board- refers to the National Board for Teachers duly constituted under this Decree.
Section 4. Creation of the National Board for Teachers. There is hereby created a
National Board for Teachers, herein after called the Board, to be composed of the
following:

Section 5. Powers and Duties. The Board shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) Appoint a set of examiners for every examination who will determine and prepare the
contents of the Board examination for teachers;
(b) Determine and fix the places and dates of examination, appoint supervisors and
room examiners from among the employees of the Government;

(c) Look from time to time into the conditions affecting the practice of the teaching
profession;

(d) Issue, suspend, revoke, replace or reissue Professional Teachers Certificate, and
administer oaths;

(e) Appoint, subject to the provisions of existing laws, such officials and employees as are
necessary in the effective performance of its functions and responsibilities, prescribe
their duties and fix their compensation;

(f) Prescribe and collect examination and other fees as it may deem proper; and

(g) Promulgate rules and regulations, and exercise such other powers, functions and
duties as may be necessary to carry into effect the purposes of this Decree.
(Section 6. Qualification requirements for examination applicants. No applicant shall be
admitted to take the examination unless, on the date of filing of the application, he shall
have complied with the following requirements:

(a) The applicant must be a citizen of the Philippines;

(b) That he is of good moral character;
(c) That he is free from any physical or mental defect; and (d) That he possesses the
following minimum educational qualifications:

1) For teachers in the kindergarten and elementary grades, BEEd or its equivalent;

2) For teachers of the secondary schools, Bachelor's degree in Education or its equivalent
with a major and minor, or a Bachelor's degree in Arts or Sciences with at least 18 units
in professional education; and

3) For teachers of secondary vocational and 2-year technical courses, Bachelor's degree
in the field of specialization with at least 18 units in professional education.
Section 7. Appointment of examiners

Appointed examiners of the Board are recognized authority in teacher education. The
examiner shall receive a compensation provided in addition to his salary.

Section 8. Scope of the examination.

The examination shall consist of written tests, the scope of which shall be determined
by the Board, taking into consideration the teaching plan of the schools legally
constituted in the Philippines.

Section 9. Ratings in the examination.

At least 70% in all subjects with no rating below 50% in any subject.
Section 10. Report of the results of examination.

150 days after the last day of the examination, unless extended by the Board

Section 11. Issuance of Certificates

The Board may consider the certificates of rating as certificates of eligibility or issue an
entirely new certificate upon registration of the teacher and payment of the
corresponding fees.

Section 12. Registration.

Registration shall evidence that the registrant is entitled to all the rights and privileges
of a Professional Teacher until and unless the certificate is suspended or canceled by the
Board for just cause.
Section 13. Reissuance of revoked certificates and replacement of lost certificates

A new certificate to replace a lost, destroyed or mutilated certificate may be issued

subject to the rules of the Board.

Section 14. Registration by reciprocity.

The applicant shall submit competent and conclusive documentary evidence, confirmed
by the Department of Foreign Affairs, showing that his country's existing laws permit
citizens of the Philippines to practice teaching profession under the rules and
regulations governing citizens.

Section 15. Prohibition.

No person shall engage in teaching and/or act as a teacher unless he is holder of a

Professional Teacher Certificate or is considered a Professional Teacher under this
Decree.
Section 16. Penal Provision.

A fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P5,000 with an imprisonment of not less than 6 months
nor more than 2 years, or both such fine an imprisonment at the discretion of the Court.

Section 17. Repealing Clause.

All Acts, Decrees, Executive Orders, Administrative Orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 18. Separability Clause.

In case any provision of this Decree or any portion thereof is declared unconstitutional by a
competent court, other provisions shall not be affected thereby.

Section 19. Effectivity.

Take effect January 1, 1977.

 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7836

AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE PRACTICE OF

TEACHING IN THE PHILIPPINES AND PRESCRIBING A LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR
TEACHERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Teachers Professionalization
Act of 1994."

SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of teachers in nation-building
and development through a responsible and literate citizenry. Towards this end, the State shall ensure
and promote quality education by proper supervision and regulation of the licensure examination and
professionalization of the practice of the teaching profession.

SECTION 3. Objectives. - This Act has the herein objectives:

a.) The promotion, development and professionalization of teachers and the teaching profession; and
b.) The supervision and regulation of the licensure examination.
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Teachers Professionalization
Act of 1994."

SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of teachers in nation-building
and development through a responsible and literate citizenry. Towards this end, the State shall ensure
and promote quality education by proper supervision and regulation of the licensure examination and
professionalization of the practice of the teaching profession.

SECTION 3. Objectives. - This Act has the herein objectives:

a.) The promotion, development and professionalization of teachers and the teaching profession; and
b.) The supervision and regulation of the licensure examination.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean:
(a) Teaching- refers to the profession primarily concerned with the classroom instruction.
(b) Teacher- refers to all persons engaged in teaching at the elementary and secondary levels.
(c) Board- refers to the National Board for Teachers duly constituted under this Decree.
(d) Commission - refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.

Article II
Board for Professional Teachers

SECTION 5. Creation and Composition of the Board.

establishes a Board for Professional Teachers, referred to as the Board, consisting of five members
appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list recommended by the Commission. These
recommendees are selected from a list of nominees provided by an accredited association of teachers
who meet the qualifications outlined in Section 8 of the Act. The Board's chairman and vice-chairman
are appointed from among these five members by the President. Additionally, the initial members of
the Board will automatically become registered professional teachers and receive their certificates
upon paying the required fees.
SECTION 6. Duties and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the following duties and
functions:

a. Creating and enforcing rules in line with the Professional Regulation Commission's charter.
b. Managing examination logistics.
c. Issuing, suspending, or revoking teaching certificates.
d. Collecting appropriate fees.
e. Establishing ethical standards for teachers.
f. Administering oaths.
g. Regulating teacher registration and practice.
h. Adopting an official seal.
i. Monitoring and improving professional and ethical standards.
j. Ensuring educational institutions meet elementary and secondary education standards.
k. Investigating violations and summoning witnesses.
l. Handling other necessary responsibilities for the teaching profession and education enhancement in
the Philippines.
SECTION 7. Term of Office. - The members of the Board serve a three-year term, starting from the
date they take office. The initial Board members have staggered terms: one serves for one year, another
for two years, and the chairman, vice-chairman, and one member for three years. Vacancies are filled
for the remaining term. Individuals cannot be reappointed after two consecutive terms, and filling an
unexpired term is considered a full term appointment.

SECTION 8. Qualifications of Board Members. - Each Board member must at the time of his
appointment:
a. Be a Filipino citizen and resident.
b. Be at least 35 years old with good moral character and no convictions for morally wrongful acts.
c. Hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education, preferably with a higher degree, from a
recognized institution.
d. Hold a valid professional teacher's certificate and license (except for the initial Board members).
e. Have at least 10 years of teaching experience in elementary or secondary education.
f. Not have affiliations with certain educational institutions or review centers for at least three years
before appointment.
SECTION 9. Compensation of the Board.
The Board members receive compensation based on the number of examinees.

SECTION 10. Supervision of the Board and Custodian of its Records

The Commission supervises the Board and keeps its records.

SECTION 11. Secretariat and Support Services.

The Commission provides secretariat and support services for the Act's implementation.

SECTION 12. Removal of a Board Member

A Board member, including the chairman, can be removed by the President upon the Commission's
recommendation for various reasons, such as neglect of duty or unethical conduct, following a proper
administrative investigation.
 Article III
Examination and Registration

SECTION 13. Examination, Registration and License Required - this section mandates that
individuals seeking to become professional teachers in the Philippines must pass a written examination
conducted annually by the Board. They must also possess a valid certificate of registration and
professional license from the Commission to practice as professional teachers unless exceptions apply
under the Act.

SECTION 14. Scope of Examination. - The examinations for the elementary and secondary school
teachers shall be separate. The examination for teachers in the elementary level shall consist of two (2)
parts, namely: professional education and general education. The examination for teachers in the
secondary level shall consist of three (3) parts, namely: professional education, general education, and
field of specialization.
SECTION 15. Qualification Requirements of Applicants. - No applicant shall be admitted to take
the examination unless, on the date of filing of the application, he shall have complied with the
following requirements:
a. A citizen of the Philippines or an alien whose country has reciprocity with the Philippines in the
practice of the teaching profession;
b. At least eighteen (18) years of age;
c. In good health and of good reputation with high moral values;
d. Has not been convicted by final judgment by a court for an offense involving moral turpitude;

A graduate of a school, college or university recognized by the government and possesses the minimum
educational qualifications, as follows:

a. For teachers in preschool, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education (BECED) or its
equivalent;
b. For teachers in the elementary grades, a bachelor's degree in elementary education (BSEED) or its
equivalent;
c. For teachers in the secondary grades, a bachelor's degree in education or its equivalent with a major and
minor, or a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences with at least ten (10) units in professional education; and
d. For teachers of vocational and two-year technical courses, a bachelor's degree in the field of specialization
or its equivalent, with at least eighteen (18) units in professional education.

SECTION 16. Report of the Results of the Examination- the Board must submit the examination results to
the Professional Regulation Commission for approval and necessary action within 120 days after the
examination.

SECTION 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional License. - once a professional
teacher's name is enrolled, they receive a certificate of registration with a serial number and date of issuance,
granting them the right to practice. This certificate remains valid unless revoked. After three consecutive
years of paying registration fees, a professional license is issued, indicating the right to practice until its
expiration date.
SECTION 18. Oath Before Practice. - Every registrant shall be required to take his professional oath before
practicing as a professional teacher.

SECTION 19. Periodic Merit Examination of Teachers - teachers can take an oral and written examination
once every five years to support their merit-based promotions and professional development. This
examination is free of charge.

SECTION 20. Failure to Pass the Merit Examination - if a teacher fails the merit examination, they have a
second chance to pass it. If they fail again, they must complete a DECS accredited refresher course before
retaking the examination. Failing the merit examination is not a basis for dismissal or demotion for permanent
teachers.

SECTION 21. Incentives. - Teachers who pass the merit examination shall:
a. Be awarded a diploma of merit by the Board;
b. Earn merit points for purposes of promotion in salary or to a higher position or grade level;
c. Be placed in the priority list for government scholarship; and
d. Enjoy such other benefits as may be promulgated by the Board.
SECTION 22. Integration of the Teaching Profession - the teaching profession will have one national
organization recognized by the Board and the Commission. Professional teachers are encouraged to join this
organization upon registration. Those registered but not yet members have three years to join. Membership in
this organization doesn't prevent joining other teaching associations. To receive benefits and privileges,
teachers must pay the required membership fees and dues to the integrated organization.

SECTION 23. Revocation of the Certificate of Registration, Suspension from the Practice of the
Teaching Profession, and Cancellation of Temporary or Special Permit. - The Board shall have the power,
after due notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration of any registrant, to
reprimand or to cancel the temporary/special permit of a holder thereof who is exempt from registration, for
any of the following causes:
a. Conviction for any criminal offense by a court of competent jurisdiction;
b. Immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct;
c. Declaration by a court of competent jurisdiction for being mentally unsound or insane;
d. Malpractice, gross incompetence, gross negligence or serious ignorance of the practice of the teaching
profession;
e. The use of or perpetration of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of registration, professional
license or special/temporary permit;
f. Chronic inebriety or habitual use of drugs;
g. Violation of any of the provisions of this Act, the rules and regulations and other policies of the Board and
the Commission, and the code of ethical and professional standards for professional teachers; and
h. Unjustified or willful failure to attend seminars, workshops, conferences and the like or the continuing
education program prescribed by the Board and the Commission.

The decision of the Board to revoke or suspend a certificate may be appealed to the regional trial court of the
place where the Board holds office within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the said decision or of the denial of
the motion for reconsideration filed in due time.

SECTION 24. Registration by Reciprocity - no foreign teacher can take the examination or receive
registration unless their home country allows Filipino professional teachers to practice there under similar
conditions. This includes having equivalent certification requirements and granting the same privileges to
Filipino teachers as they do to their own citizens or subjects.
SECTION 25. Roster of Professional Teachers - a roster of professional teachers will be maintained,
including names, addresses, registration dates, and other relevant information. The Commission will provide
copies of this roster to the Board, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and the integrated and
accredited organization of professional teachers.

SECTION 26. Registration and Exception - two years after this Act takes effect, anyone teaching
professionally in preschool, elementary, or secondary levels must be a duly registered professional teacher
holding a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license or a valid special/temporary permit.

Upon approval of the application and payment of the prescribed fees, the certificate of registration and
professional license as a professional teacher shall be issued without examination as required in this Act to a
qualified applicant, who at the time of the approval of this Act, is:

a. A holder of a certificate of eligibility as a teacher issued by the Civil Service Commission and the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports; or
b. A registered professional teacher with the National Board for Teachers under the Department of Education,
Culture and Sports (DECS) pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1006; or
c. Not qualified under paragraphs one and two but with any of the following qualifications, to wit:

1. An elementary or secondary teacher for five (5) years in good standing and a holder of a Bachelor of Science
in Education or its equivalent; or
2. An elementary or secondary teacher for three (3) years in good standing and a holder of a master's degree in
education or its equivalent.

Individuals who qualify but couldn't register within two years from the organization of the Board for
professional teachers will receive a five-year temporary or special permit. After passing the examination and
meeting Act requirements, they can then be included in the roster of professional teachers. Additionally,
those who fail the licensure examination for professional teachers can work as para-teachers under a special or
temporary permit assigned by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) to schools as
determined by the circumstances.
 Article IV
Provisions Relative to the Practice of the Teaching Profession

SECTION 27. Inhibition Against the Practice of the Teaching Profession - no one can practice or offer to
practice the teaching profession in the Philippines or be appointed as a teacher without obtaining a valid
certificate of registration and a valid professional license from the Commission, unless otherwise allowed
under this Act.

SECTION 28. Penal Provisions. - The following shall be punishable by a fine of not less than Five thousand
pesos (P5,000) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) or imprisonment of not less than six (6)
months nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court:

a. Any person who practices the teaching profession in the Philippines without being certified in accordance
with the provisions of this Act;
b. Any person who represents or attempts to use as his own certificate of registration that of another;
c. Any person who gives any false, or fraudulent evidence of any kind to the Board or any member thereof in
obtaining a certificate of registration as teacher;
d. Any person who impersonates any registrant of the same or different name;
e. Any person who uses a revoked or suspended certificate of registration;
f. Any person who, in connection with his name, otherwise assumes, uses or advertises any title or description
tending to convey or conveys the impression that he is a teacher without holding a valid certificate; and
g. Any person who violates or who abets the violation of any of the provisions of this Act.

The penalty of fine or imprisonment or both, as provided in this section, shall also apply to any school or
school official who shall cause or be responsible for the commission of any of the above-enumerated acts.

SECTION 29. Appropriations. - Such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall
be included in the 1996 General Appropriations Act and thereafter.

SECTION 30. Implementing Guidelines. - the Board is responsible for creating guidelines to effectively
implement the provisions of this Act within 60 days of its approval. The Board must then provide copies of
these rules and guidelines to the relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives within 30
days of their promulgation. Violations of this section may lead to liability under Republic Act No. 6713, also
known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees," and other
applicable administrative or penal laws.
SECTION 31. Transitory Provision. - All incumbent teachers in both the public and private sector not
otherwise certified as professional teachers by virtue of this Act, shall be given five (5) years temporary
certificates from the time the Board for Professional Teachers is organized within which to qualify as required
by this Act and be included in the roster of professionals.
Provided, however, That the Professional Board Examination for Teachers (PBET) shall still be administered
by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Education, Culture and Sports for the year 1995.

SECTION 32. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act or the application
of such section or provision to any person or circumstance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, no other
section or provision of this Act shall be affected thereby.

SECTION 33. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 34. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved, December 16, 1994.