A total of 1,559 teachers and school heads in Caraga have earned promotions under the government’s Expanded Career Progression system, a move expected to improve their pay, professional standing, and long-term career opportunities in public education.
For many of the educators, the promotion marks more than a change in rank. It means recognition after years of service, a higher salary grade, and a clearer path to grow in the profession without being forced to leave classroom teaching for administrative posts.
Among those promoted were 91 educators nearing retirement who had remained at the entry-level Teacher I rank despite decades of service. Their advancement ensures that they will close their careers with better recognition and improved benefits after years of teaching in public schools.
The mass oath-taking ceremony in Agusan del Sur also highlighted the stories of educators whose career growth had long been delayed under the old system. One special education teacher was promoted to Teacher VI after 26 years of service, while another educator rose to Teacher V after beginning her career as a volunteer teacher.
The ceremony also honored 23 of Caraga’s longest-serving educators, some of whom have dedicated up to 39 years to the teaching profession.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara said the promotions recognize the sacrifices teachers make every day for their students.
“Most people only see the promotion, pero ang hindi nakikita ay ang maaga niyong pag-gising, ang pag-uwi nang gabi, at ang pagsasantabi ng sariling problema para sa mga estudyante,” Angara said.
“This promotion is not a simple administrative action. This is about dignity. This is about finally giving our deserving teachers a clearer path forward,” he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a video message delivered during the event, thanked the educators for their service and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen teacher welfare through expanded career progression, reduced administrative workload, and additional benefits.
The President also reiterated his directive that public school teachers should no longer spend their entire careers only to retire at the entry-level rank of Teacher I.
Established under Executive Order No. 174 in 2022, the Expanded Career Progression system allows public school teachers to advance in salary grade and rank through either classroom teaching or school administration tracks.
The system enables qualified educators to move up based on merit, performance, and dedication, without having to wait for vacant institutional positions.
For Caraga’s newly promoted educators, the policy offers a tangible shift in their professional lives: better compensation, stronger recognition, and a career ladder that allows them to keep serving learners while still advancing in the public school system.