President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the mass oath-taking of newly promoted teachers and school heads from the Bulacan and Pampanga cluster, pledging sustained government support for educators.
Speaking at the CSJDM Sports Complex in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Mr. Marcos told hundreds of educators under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system that they had waited long enough for advancement.
“Hindi ako papayag na hindi masuklian ang inyong sakripisyo (I will not allow your sacrifices to go unrewarded),” he said, adding that no teacher should retire at the entry-level rank of Teacher I.
The ceremony marked the third oath-taking under the ECP program, following similar events in Ilocos Norte and the National Capital Region.
The initiative aims to provide clearer promotion pathways and professional growth opportunities within the public school system.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara joined the president at the event, along with Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Bulacan Gov. Danilo Fernando.
Mr. Marcos described teachers as among the most hardworking public servants, noting their roles beyond classroom instruction, including assisting in elections and community activities such as census operations.
“Walang katumbas ang sakripisyo ng ating mga guro (The sacrifice of our teachers is beyond compare),” he said.
While acknowledging the role of technology, including laptops and artificial intelligence, in supporting learning, the President said nothing can replace the care and guidance provided by teachers.
He said the government has allocated more than P1.34 trillion for the education sector this year—over 4 percent of gross domestic product—as part of efforts to prioritize education.
Mr. Marcos also cited benefits extended to teachers, including the Service Recognition Incentive, an additional P7.37 billion for qualified educators’ benefits, a P10,000 teaching allowance for School Years 2025–2026, and a P7,000 annual medical allowance starting in 2025.
The administration has also rolled out the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, or YAKAP Caravan, which provides free laboratory tests, medical consultations, medicines, and vital signs monitoring for teachers.
