He also recognized their contribution to the growth of learners.
Amid celebrations for the Teachers’ Month, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led on Friday, October 2, the mass oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted and newly hired education personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Cagayan Valley.
According to DepEd, 3,047 teachers and principals were promoted under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, 328 newly-hired School Principal I, 612 newly-hired Administrative Officer (AO) II, and 257 newly-hired Project Development Officer (PDO) I.
During the ceremony at the Santiago City Sports Arena, President Marcos said the promotions form part of the administration’s efforts to ensure that teachers are properly recognized for their service and given opportunities to advance professionally.
He also thanked teachers for the time and effort they devote to educating and guiding Filipino children.
President Marcos said the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System was established to address the long-standing problem of teachers spending many years in the same position before qualifying for promotion.
“Kaya nangako ako sa ating mga guro: hindi na tayo papayag na mayroong guro na magre-retire bilang Teacher I,” recalling his earlier promise. “Hindi tama na ibinibigay ninyo ang napakalaking bahagi ng inyong buhay sa pagtuturo, tapos hindi kayo umuunlad sa inyong propesyon.”
President Marcos said the ECP System is also opening more opportunities for teachers and school heads to move up the career ladder while continuing to serve in their chosen fields.
Based on the government’s latest figures as of September 2026, a total of 82,105 teachers and school heads nationwide have already been promoted under the administration’s career progression initiatives.
“Patuloy po rin ang suporta namin sa inyo. Binawasan natin ang administrative work at pinabuti ang benepisyo ng ating mga guro,” the President noted.
Meanwhile, Marcos also cited government measures to reduce teachers’ administrative workload and improve their benefits, allowing educators to devote more time and attention to teaching and their students.
“Hindi lamang kayo nagtuturo ng aralin, kayo ay gumagabay, nag-aalaga, at tumutulong humubog sa kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” he also said.
The President also underscored the importance of cooperation among teachers, parents and communities in keeping schools and children safe amid security concerns and other risks confronting learners.
He likewise assured educators that the government would continue supporting their professional growth and their efforts to improve the quality of Philippine education.
Aside from career growth, the Chief Executive also thanked teachers for helping improve the country’s scores in Reading, Science, and Mathematics in the 2025 PISA compared to 2022.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, who administered the mass oath-taking ceremony, said in a statement: “[W]e are showing our teachers that their dedication is recognized and properly compensated. Kapag umuunlad ang career ng ating mga guro, directly na nakikinabang ang ating mga mag-aaral.”
“We want our educators to focus on what they do best, teaching and nurturing our youth, without worrying about administrative burdens or ceiling-capped growth,” he added.
