Philippines shuts 26 teacher education programs over quality failures

MANILA — The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has shuttered 26 teacher education programs at 11 institutions nationwide for failing to comply with established quality benchmarks, according to CHEd Chair Shirley Agrupis.

Agrupis disclosed the closures during Senate budget hearings Friday as lawmakers examined CHEd's P35.45 billion allocation under the 2027 National Expenditure Program. The move underscores the commission's commitment to raising standards across the teacher education sector, a critical component of the country's education infrastructure.

The specific programs and institutions affected were not detailed in the initial disclosure, though the action signals intensified regulatory oversight of teacher preparation institutions. Quality assurance in teacher education has emerged as a priority area as policymakers seek to improve classroom instruction and student learning outcomes across basic and higher education levels.

The closures represent one of the larger consolidation efforts in the sector in recent years, though CHEd did not specify the timeline for implementation or the number of students potentially affected by the program discontinuations.