Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales lauded Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) for producing four topnotchers in the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), describing the feat as a source of pride not only for the university but for the entire province.
Based on the results of the September and November 2025 LEPT released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on December 18, ESSU College of Education graduates Jennifer Bacula and Katherine Joy Elem both ranked No. 7 in the elementary level after achieving identical ratings of 92.80 percent.
Meanwhile, in the secondary level, ESSU graduates Aira Shane Nicart and Chris Anthony Gajelan placed No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, earning ratings of 93.20 percent and 93.00 percent.
“Their achievement reflects not only their personal effort, but also the quality of training and mentorship provided by ESSU’s College of Education.”
“Jennifer, Katherine, Aira Shane, and Chris Anthony exemplify academic excellence, discipline, and dedication. Their achievement reflects not only their personal effort, but also the quality of training and mentorship provided by ESSU’s College of Education,” Gonzales said.
“They have brought honor to Eastern Samar and inspired a new generation of future teachers,” the legislator added.
The lawmaker also extended his congratulations to all examinees who passed the licensure examination, noting the crucial role teachers play in nation-building.
“To all our newly licensed professional teachers, congratulations. Teaching is one of the most vital professions in our society—it shapes minds, values, and the future of our country. Your success is a victory for Philippine education,” Gonzales said.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that new professional teachers can look forward to meaningful employment, citing government efforts to expand the teaching workforce to reduce class sizes and improve instructional quality.
Earlier this month, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced plans to hire 32,916 new classroom teachers in 2026 through the creation of an equal number of Teacher I positions.
“With thousands of new teaching positions authorized by Congress, our newly licensed teachers can be optimistic about securing gainful and purpose-driven employment,” he said.
“We in Congress are committed to ensuring that teachers are supported, fairly compensated, and given opportunities to serve.”
“We in Congress are committed to ensuring that teachers are supported, fairly compensated, and given opportunities to serve,” Gonzales added.
He has filed several measures seeking to enhance compensation and overall support for public school teachers, including a bill proposing to triple the annual World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit.
