Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Saturday expressed full support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for teachers, describing it as a landmark reform that advances President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to empower teachers under his Bagong Pilipinas vision.
The Leyte First District lawmaker said the recalibrated promotion system will uplift teachers’ careers by granting promotions based on competence and merit, rather than being limited by vacancies.
“This reform shows how the Marcos administration values our teachers. By ensuring that promotions are based on excellence and dedication, we are giving them the recognition they deserve as molders of the nation’s future,” Romualdez said.
He added: “There used to be a lack of opportunities for teachers to rise because there were no vacancies. Now, they will be recognized through promotions based on their talent and wisdom—a meaningful acknowledgment of their years of service.”
Romualdez stressed that the new system affirms what the President emphasized in his 2025 State of the Nation Address—that empowering teachers through professional growth is key to transforming education
“The ECP System paves the way for genuine career advancement and self-fulfillment for our teachers. It revives the joy of teaching as both vocation and calling, while opening the promise of higher rank and better pay,” he said.
DepEd has begun implementing DepEd Order No. 024, series of 2025, which created new teaching ranks—Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V—and established two career tracks in classroom teaching and school administration. Promotions will be anchored on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers and School Heads, focusing on teaching quality and leadership competence.
Romualdez said the ECP System fulfills the constitutional mandate to give education the highest priority in government spending and policymaking. He also urged DepEd to complement the system with opportunities for advanced studies, training, and mentorship.
“We are ready to support initiatives that help advance teachers’ careers and strengthen their ability to transform the education system as envisioned by President Marcos,” Romualdez said.
He assured support for adequate funding for DepEd programs. Under the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program, the agency requested P928.52 billion to address learning gaps and strengthen teaching personnel.
“Teachers who are adequately supported and recognized for their dedication will nurture children who are not only competent but also deeply rooted in Filipino values and love of country. With the ECP System, we can assure parents that their children are in capable hands,” Romualdez said.
