The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have thrown their support behind a proposed legislation that allows graduates in science, mathematics, statistics and engineering courses to teach science and mathematics in elementary and secondary levels.
House Bill No. 3479, sponsored by Agham Party-list Rep. Angelo B. Palmones, provides that science graduates who opt to teach must obtain the required professional license to teach within the period specified in the bill.
?The Department welcomes the provisions of the bill tapping graduates in science, mathematics, statistics and engineering courses to teach science and mathematics, especially in the public schools, as well as the idea of providing an alternative solution on how to address the issue of migration to other countries of teachers specializing in said fields,? DepEd secretary Armin A. Luistro said in his letter to Palmones.
Luistro said the signing of the bill into law will allow the country to sustain its economic growth by building internal capacities in science, technology and education
On the other hand, DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo the legislative measure will accelerate the country?s efforts in increasing the supply of competent and qualified teachers.