The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill (HB) 10270, or the proposed Career Progression System Act, during its plenary session early this week.
The bill, when enacted, mandates the institutionalization of a career progression system for public school teachers, with corresponding budget allocations.
Principally authored and sponsored by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, chairperson of the House committee on basic education and culture, the bill seeks to promote the professional growth and welfare of public school teachers by clearly defining career paths and advancement opportunities within the system.
The Career Progression System Act introduces two distinct career tracks for public school teachers: classroom teaching and school administration. It also establishes five new higher positions within these tracks, with corresponding salary increases, providing a structured pathway for career advancement.
One of the key features of the bill is its focus on merit-based promotions. Romulo emphasized that the new system would prioritize competence and merit over the traditional criteria of natural vacancies, quotas, and ratio-and-proportion.
The measure also ensures that teachers who wish to continue focusing on classroom instruction can do so with competitive salaries, without needing to shift to administrative roles for career advancement.
Romulo explained that one of the primary objectives of the proposed measure is to provide a career path for those dedicated to classroom teaching.
“We want to allow teachers who are passionate about teaching to be able to continue doing so,” Romulo added.
The bill aims to address long-standing concerns about the limited career advancement opportunities for public school teachers, which often result in stagnation and frustration among educators. By establishing a clear progression system, the bill hopes to attract and retain the best candidates in the teaching profession.
“Our primary concern is to promote quality education through ensuring the continued development of teachers and being able to attract the best candidates to nurture our learners,” Romulo added, underscoring the importance of supporting educators in their professional journey.
The passage of HB 10270 on Second Reading marks a significant step towards the institutionalization of a comprehensive career progression system for public school teachers, with the final reading and subsequent Senate deliberations still ahead.
If enacted into law, the measure is expected to have a lasting impact on the quality of education in the country by fostering a more motivated and competent teaching workforce, Romulo added.
