Manila, May 20 -- Senators Joel Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday hailed the approval of 16,000 new teaching positions, framing the move as a strategic investment in strengthening the education system and securing the nation's long-term development.

Villanueva, the commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, said hiring more educators is not merely about filling vacancies but empowering the next generation with quality instruction that can uplift communities and drive national progress.

"We're not just hiring teachers. We're building the foundation for a more skilled, competitive and enlightened Filipino workforce," he said in a statement.

"With 18 million Filipinos still functionally illiterate, this i...