Legazpi City: Educators from Bicol have expressed approval of Malaca±ang’s announcement regarding the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools for the School Year 2025-2026. This initiative aims to bolster the education sector by ensuring adequate manpower in schools.
According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement has been met with optimism from local educators. Kenth Quintanilla, a 22-year-old newly licensed teacher from Pawa, Legazpi City, expressed gratitude towards President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) for addressing educational gaps. Quintanilla hopes for continuous reforms and modernized teaching methods to align with global standards. He highlighted that the new positions would benefit unemployed registered teachers and improve the teacher-student ratio, enhancing the quality of education.
Serena Sese, a teacher from Masbate province, emphasized that these positions will alleviate teacher shortages in remote areas, aiding teachers in managing multi-grade classrooms. She expressed gratitude to the President and hoped that the initiative would discourage teachers from seeking opportunities abroad.
John Daryl Taule, a teacher from San Miguel, Catanduanes, noted the positive impact on both applicants and students. He believes that the increase in educators will allow for more focused attention on students’ needs, particularly in multi-grade classes. Taule, a father of two, also mentioned the financial support these positions would provide for newly hired teachers.
Meripearl Herry, an educator from Masbate province, shared her gratitude, hoping the positions will be filled promptly. She emphasized the positive implications for both teachers and students, and suggested that additional non-teaching staff would also be beneficial.
Airish Anne Lobarbio, a 24-year-old from Banquerohan, Legazpi City, who passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers last year but currently works in the Business Process Outsourcing industry, expressed her renewed interest in pursuing a teaching career due to the new positions. She believes that this initiative will benefit both new and long-waiting licensed teachers, expanding educational opportunities for the younger generation.
The Department of Budget and Management has approved these 16,000 positions as part of the initial tranche of a planned 20,000 positions for this year. The positions include 15,343 Teacher I posts, 157 Special Science Teachers, and 500 Special Education Teachers. The flexibility of Senior High School teaching positions at the division level allows for strategic reassignment based on need.
