By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Hindi na tayo papayag na mayroong guro na magre-retire ng Teacher I dahil hindi naman talaga tama iyon.”
As part of a comprehensive effort to reinvigorate the country’s education system, the government continues to make strides in providing teaching and non-teaching staff with a chance to grow in their respective fields.
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the oath-taking ceremony of around 8,500 teachers and school principals at the Villareal Stadium, Roxas City, Capiz on Monday.
In his remarks, he acknowledged the vital role played by educators and school heads in shaping the future of the Filipino youth and of the nation, “When you serve our young people, you are serving the future of our country. So this moment is about dignity in your profession, clarity in your path, and momentum in your careers.”
There have been approximately around 80,000 teachers and school principals who were promoted under the ECP System from August 2025 until April 2026, thus fulfilling the President’s pledge during his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) that no teacher will have to wait for decades to get promoted from Teacher I to Teacher III.
President Marcos Jr. touted this event as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to look after those who form the foundation of the domestic education system, by fixing an outdated system that limits career growth opportunities for teachers.
The ECP System was signed into effect by virtue of Executive Order No. 174 s. 2022, and was institutionalized in September 2025 through Republic Act No. 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act.
This is on top of other reforms done by the administration to improve the working conditions of educators, such as reducing the number of paperwork that they have to accomplish, as well as opening 61,500 teaching positions from 2022-2025 to address the perennial shortage of teachers to cater to the educational needs of young learners.
The President likewise announced the release of the P10,000 teaching allowance for the school year 2025-2026, as well as granting teachers priority access to affordable housing under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program under the joint efforts of both the Department of Education (DepEd) and Pag-IBIG Fund.
The Chief Executive concluded his speech by expressing his sincere gratitude to teachers and school principals for going beyond their line of duty in the quest to empower the youth that may become the future leaders of the nation and purveyors of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
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