SENATOR Joel Villanueva has filed a measure seeking to amend Republic Act 7836, or the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994.

In his Senate Bill 2913, Villanueva emphasized the crucial role teachers play in education.

A 2015 report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlighted studies showing positive links between student achievement and factors such as teachers’ academic skills, content knowledge, years of experience, and participation in professional development.

Villanueva asserts that teachers are vital resources in education and that maximizing their potential is key to improving the sector.

There is substantial evidence that teacher quality directly impacts student learning. The bill aims to expand the pool of nominees for the Board of Professional Teachers to include representatives from the Teacher Education Council, Department of Education, Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, Commission on Higher Education, the Association of Local Colleges and Universities, and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, alongside nominees from teacher associations and associations of teacher education students.

The bill also seeks to prevent conflicts of interest within the Board of Professional Teachers through PRC-issued rules. Additionally, it proposes improved qualification requirements for applicants for professional teacher registration and mandates refresher courses for those who have failed the PRC exam in the past three years.

MANILA – Fide Master Christian Mark Daluz and Jerome Villanueva claimed their third victories over the weekend to share the lead in the AQ Prime Stream FIDE Standard Open Chess tournament being held at Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City.

Daluz defeated fellow FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca while Villanueva downed National Master Mark Jay Bacojo.

“I hope to do well in this event and gain some Elo rating points,” said Daluz, the top player of the University of Santo Tomas chess team and the newest member of AQ Prime Sports.

He was conferred the FIDE (International Chess Federation) Master title in February.

Daluz’s earlier victories were over Fide Master Adrian Ros Pacis and National Master Edmundo Gatus.

International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, the reigning Asian senior (over 65 category) champion, conquered Carlos Edgardo Garma and is third with 2.5 points, followed by Kevin Arquero, who drew with International Master Cris Ramayrat.

The tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines offers PHP10,000 cash to the winner.

In the 2000 and below category, NM Jasper Faeldonia beat Clarence Lagac to share the lead with NM Bob Jones Liwagon, Mark James Marcellana, Angele Tenshi Biete, Errenz Denisson Calitisin, NM Al-Basher “Basty” Buto, Freddie Talaboc, Chester Neil Reyes, John Ernie Maraan, Jovert Valenzuela, Jan Lei Kian Rosaupan, Oscar Joseph Cantela, Jhulo Goloran Yuri Lei Paraguya, Stephen Manzanero and Mark Gerald Reyes.

All have three points.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Engr. Alejandro Ramos Sr. and Jr. Memorial Open kicked off on Sunday at Civic Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Jeremy Marticio, aiming to raise his rapid rating of 1764, is among the participants of the tournament organized by Pangasinan Chess Federation president Juan Sison, Lingayen Chess Club official Tom Ferrer, and Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil.

The 17-year-old, Grade 11 student of Pulo Senior High School in Cabuyao, Laguna, is coming off a win in the Mayor Darel Dexter Uy National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals U18 boys blitz event in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte province last April 10.

Marticio will also join the 82nd Birthday and 25th Death Anniversary of GM Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open Rapid on Sept. 30 at Rockwell Business Center in Mandaluyong City.

Also competing are IM Ronald Bancod, IM Rolando Nolte, WNM Jersey Marticio, Romy Fagon, Henry Calacday, Jose “Fer” Camaya, Nestor Gabayan, James Basa, Bensh Manago, Jonathan Bayron, and Edgar Tullao.

Prizes at stake are P10,000 (1st), P7,000 (2nd), P5,000 (3rd), P3,000 (4th), P2,000 (5th), P1,000 (6th), P800 (7th), P500 (8th-10th), and P300 (11th-15th).

In the Under12 category, the cash prizes are P4,000 (1st), P2,000 (2nd), P1,000 (3rd), P700 (4th), P500 (5th), and P300 (6th-10th). (PNA)