Roxas city: Public school teachers and school heads in Western Visayas expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration for granting their promotions under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) program of the Department of Education (DepEd).
According to Philippines News Agency, on Monday, 8,566 educators joined the mass oathtaking in Roxas City, Capiz, marking the largest gathering among a series of ECP oathtaking ceremonies in the country. Education Secretary Sonny Angara officiated the oathtaking, witnessed by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Mary Ann Marillosa, a Senior High School teacher at Carlos Lopez National High School in the Schools Division of Iloilo, shared her relief after waiting 30 years to be promoted to Teacher VI. She emphasized the significance of the ECP, highlighting both the professional advancement and the financial improvement it brings, especially amidst the energy crisis.
Ian John Carman of the Sapian National High School under the Schools Division of Capiz also took oath as Teacher VI. He expressed hope that the program would continue, allowing other teachers to progress professionally and personally. Carman mentioned he had waited six years for this promotion.
Charina Masigon from Mangan National High School under the Schools Division of Aklan, with 30 years of service, expressed her gratitude for being one of the promotees. Despite not qualifying for the Master Teacher position due to her school's size, she succeeded in her application, attributing her success to divine assistance and support from her family and colleagues.
Data from the DepEd regional office indicated that of the 8,566 promotees, 2,467 were from the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Aklan, 154 from SDO Antique, 2,191 from SDO Capiz, 444 from SDO Guimaras, 2,005 from SDO Iloilo, 618 from SDO Iloilo City, 264 from SDO Passi City, and 423 from SDO Roxas City. Among the promotees were 57 educators with over 35 years of service, who finally benefited from Marcos' landmark program.
