President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured newly promoted teachers and school heads in the Caraga Region that the government will continue expanding programs aimed at improving career growth, reducing workload and strengthening support for educators.
In a video message for the mass oath-taking of teachers and school heads, Marcos congratulated the newly promoted educators and acknowledged that many public school teachers have had to wait years, or even decades, before advancing in rank.
He said this long-standing concern was among the reasons behind the government’s push for the Expanded Career Progression System, which seeks to provide teachers with a clearer and more structured path for professional advancement.
“Alam ko po naman na marami sa mga guro, taon o dekada pa ang inaantay bago magkaroon ng promotion. Kaya po isinulong natin ang Expanded Career Progression o ECP System,” Marcos said.
The President said teachers hold a special place in his heart, citing their sacrifices and their role in shaping the values, character and future of young Filipinos.
“Walang katumbas ang sakripisyo ng guro,” Marcos said, stressing that the government must ensure their dedication is met with recognition and meaningful support.
Marcos reiterated his State of the Nation Address commitment that no public school teacher should retire as Teacher I, a pledge tied to efforts to open more promotion opportunities in the education sector.
He also cited measures meant to ease the burden on teachers, including the creation of additional teaching positions, administrative officer posts and project development officer items to help reduce paperwork and allow educators to focus more on classroom instruction.
The President said the government has increased uninterrupted annual vacation service credits, granted the P10,000 teaching allowance and expanded the coverage of the Special Hardship Allowance for teachers and Department of Education personnel assigned in remote areas.
Marcos thanked teachers and school heads for their dedication, patience and commitment to the youth, saying their work goes beyond teaching academic lessons.
“Salamat hindi lamang sa pagtuturo ng kaalaman sa ating kabataan, kung hindi pati na rin ng mga magandang asal at pagmamahal sa bayan,” he said.
He assured educators that the government would remain their partner in pursuing better lives and a stronger public education system.
“Katuwang ninyo ang gobyerno tungo sa mas maginhawang buhay. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan,” Marcos said.