Caraga: A total of 1,559 teachers and school heads from the Caraga region have received long-awaited promotions as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) program. This initiative, aimed at supporting educators' career growth, saw the promotions formalized at a mass oathtaking ceremony at the Agusan Valley Convention Center.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Caraga region, also known as Region 13, is located in the northeastern part of Mindanao, consisting of provinces such as Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, with Butuan City serving as the regional center. The promotions recognize the dedication and extended service of public school educators in this area, including some who have served for over three decades.
President Marcos, through his Special Assistant Anton Lagdameo Jr., emphasized his administration's commitment to advancing educators' welfare, ensuring no teacher retires as Teacher I alone. He highlighted the limitations of previous career advancement opportunities and the need for the ECP system to provide a clearer path for teacher advancement.
Established under Executive Order 174, s. 2022, the ECP system offers a framework for public school teachers to progress in their careers and salaries through either teaching or administrative paths, without waiting for specific vacancies. The Department of Education reported that among the 1,559 promotees are 23 of the longest-serving educators with up to 39 years of service, and 91 teachers aged 55 to 64 who were promoted from Teacher I, allowing for career advancement before retirement.
President Marcos reiterated the government's goal to recognize and support teachers' hard work and sacrifices. Since August 2025, nearly 80,000 teachers and school heads have been promoted nationwide under the ECP System. Additionally, the government approved nearly 33,000 new teaching positions this year to reduce the teaching backlog.
The President noted that more than 60,000 teaching positions had been filled by April 30, achieving a 97.7 percent completion rate, with a commitment to reach 100 percent soon. Other efforts to improve teachers' welfare include reducing administrative tasks, granting annual vacation service credits, providing a teaching allowance, and expanding the Special Hardship Allowance for those in remote areas.
President Marcos expressed gratitude to the nation's educators and assured them of continued support to enhance their working conditions and quality of life, reaffirming the government's partnership in their professional and personal advancement.
