By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the oath-taking of more than 8,500 newly promoted teachers and school heads from Western Visayas, marking the largest gathering so far under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined the President during the ceremony at Villareal Stadium in Roxas City, Capiz.
Similar inductions were previously held in Cebu, Davao, and Eastern Visayas.
In his speech, Marcos assured educators of continued government support, emphasizing efforts to improve career growth, welfare and working conditions.
“Asahan ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay hindi titigil sa pagkilos upang matiyak na kayo ay naaalagaan, nabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad, at kinikilala sa inyong serbisyo (Rest assured that the government will not stop in ensuring you are being taken care of, given equal opportunity for growth and recognized),” he said.
The President said the ECP system addresses the long-standing issue of limited promotion opportunities for teachers by providing clearer career pathways, whether in classroom instruction or school leadership.
From August 2025 to date, a total of 79,230 teachers and school heads nationwide have benefited from promotions under the system.
Marcos reiterated that his administration is working to ensure that no teacher retires at entry-level rank.
He also cited reforms aimed at improving working conditions, including reducing administrative workload, creating more than 61,000 teaching positions, and providing a PHP10,000 teaching allowance for School Year 2025–2026.
The administration is also expanding housing support programs for teachers.
Marcos expressed gratitude to educators, describing them as vital contributors to nation-building. (PNA)
