A total of 1,559 teachers and school heads across the Caraga region, including some who have been in service for over three decades, have been granted long-awaited and well-deserved promotions under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system initiative.
The promotions were formalized during a mass oathtaking ceremony held at the Agusan Valley Convention Center in Agusan del Sur on Sunday, recognizing the dedication and long years of service of public school educators in the region.
The Caraga Region, also known as Region 13, is located in the northeastern part of Mindanao and comprises the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, with Butuan City as the regional center.
In his speech delivered by Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr., President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing educators’ welfare and career growth, stressing that no teacher should retire as Teacher I alone.
“Dahil limitado noon ang oportunidad para sa career advancement, maraming mahusay na guro ang nananatili sa parehong posisyon. Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit natin isinulong ang Expanded Career Progression or ECP System. Sa ilalim ng sistemang ito, mas malinaw na ngayon ang landas para sa pag-angat ng ating mga guro (Because career advancement opportunities were limited, many excellent teachers remained in the same position. This is one of the reasons why we introduced the Expanded Career Progression or ECP System. Under this system, the path for advancement of our teachers is now clearer),” the President said.
“Muli ko pong uulitin ang aking pangako noong SONA: wala nang public school teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I (I will reiterate my promise from the SONA [State of the Nation Address]: no more public school teachers will retire Teacher I),” the President added.
Established under Executive Order 174, s. 2022, the ECP system provides a progressive policy framework that enables public school teachers to advance in rank and salary through either classroom teaching or school administration career paths, without having to wait for plantilla vacancies.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), among the 1,559 promotees are 23 of the region’s longest-serving educators who have rendered up to 39 years of continuous and dedicated service to public education.
Also included are 91 teachers aged 55 to 64 who were promoted from Teacher I, allowing them to receive long overdue career advancement and improved compensation before retirement.
“Simple lang ang hangarin natin. Gusto naming maramdaman ninyo na ang inyong sipag at sakripisyo ay kinikilala, binibigyang-halaga, at sinusuportahan ng pamahalaan (Our goal is simple. We want you to feel that your hard work and sacrifice are recognized, valued, and supported by the government),” President Marcos emphasized.
Since August 2025, nearly 80,000 teachers and school heads nationwide have been promoted under the ECP System.
Beyond promotions, President Marcos also announced that nearly 33,000 teaching positions have been approved this year, a move expected to reduce the teaching backlog in the country.
Marcos said more than 60,000 teaching positions had already been filled as of April 30, translating to a 97.7 percent completion rate.
The President vowed to make it 100 percent at the soonest possible time.
The Chief Executive likewise highlighted other government efforts aimed at easing teachers’ workload and improving their welfare.
These include reducing administrative tasks by hiring Administrative Officers and Project Development Officers; granting 30 days of uninterrupted annual vacation service credits; providing a PHP10,000 teaching allowance; and expanding coverage of the Special Hardship Allowance for teachers and DepEd personnel from remote areas.
Expressing his deep appreciation for the country’s educators, the President assured them of continued support to improve both their working conditions and quality of life.
“Mga Ma’am at Sir, hinding-hindi ako magsasawang magpasalamat sa inyong pagmamahal, dedikasyon, at pasensya (Ma’am and Sir, I will never tire of thanking you for your love, dedication, and patience),” the President said.
“Makakaasa kayo na narito ang inyong gobyerno, katuwang ninyo sa pag-angat ng inyong trabaho at ng inyong pamumuhay (You can count on your government to be here, your partner in improving your work and your lifestyle),” he added. (PNA)
