A total of 789 newly-promoted teachers under the Expanded Career Progression System (ECPS) in Ilocos Region took their oath of office at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on Friday.

Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, who represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in administering the mass oath-taking program, lauded their hard work and congratulated them for a well-deserved promotion.

“May this achievement inspire you not only to broaden your skills and horizons but also to continue shaping the character of our learners,” Marcos said in his speech.

Under the ECPS framework, as outlined in Republic Act 12288 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September, teachers may be reclassified or promoted by up to three salary grades, depending on qualifications and experience.

One of the beneficiaries, school head Aileen Rambaud, 48, of Salanap Elementary School in Pinili, Ilocos Norte was promoted from Principal I to Principal III after 12 years of service.

“To God be the highest glory and honor for this advancement in my career. I have waited for so long, and finally, this day came, and I can’t ask for more,” she told the Philippine News Agency after queuing in the line of newly-promoted teachers of the Department of Education (DepEd).

From Teacher 3, Elvie Claire Antonio, 44, of Nagrebcan National High School in Badoc, Ilocos Norte had been promoted to Teacher 6 or three salary grades higher. She said it took her seven years to get the promotion.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the promotion through the DepEd’s ECPS. This achievement reflects the support from my family, colleagues, and especially our Almighty, who guided me throughout the journey,” she said after the mass oath-taking that coincided with the launch of the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs.

Coming from a family of teachers, Antonio takes pride in being a molder of character, having spent years teaching and mentoring learners.

Of the 789 teachers, 526 are from the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, according to DepEd.

In a statement, the DepEd announced that to sustain the reform, the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) will expand its training and leadership programs, focusing on reclassifying or promoting teachers nearing retirement.

DepEd also acknowledged the roles of Human Resource Management Officers, Teachers Credential Evaluators, and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board members in implementing the ECPS across school divisions and regional offices. (PNA)