GUEST COLUMNIST
When President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged that no teacher should retire as Teacher I during his State of the Nation Address, he emphasized the need for a system that allows teachers to progress beyond entry-level positions.
Last Friday, July 26, marked a triumphant day for Philippine education with the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Executive Order (EO) No. 174, s. 2022, titled "Establishing the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers." This mandate ushers in a new era of acknowledgment and advancement for our industrious public school educators.
Previously, professional growth for teachers was limited. Teachers of public institutions could only advance from Teacher I to III, while Master Teachers were restricted from I to II. Under the new scheme, career progression has been expanded, allowing educators to reach up to Teacher VII and Master Teacher V. Similarly, those holding Master Teacher I positions may be promoted up to Principal IV, offering a broader spectrum of development.
This EO is deeply personal as my sister and mother, dedicated Master Teacher I, have devoted their lives to nurturing young minds. I have witnessed how my family would meet the daily demands of the classroom with enthusiasm, consistently exceeding their responsibilities to ensure every student receives an exceptional education. With the introduction of the Expanded Career Progression System, they, along with many other public teachers, will have clear and well-defined pathways to move forward in their careers, receive the recognition they deserve, and continue to inspire the next generations.
We owe this significant reform to the visionary leadership of Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara. These public servants, whom I greatly admire, have championed the cause of our educators and paved the way for this transformative initiative.
Despite her busy schedule amid the budget season, Secretary Mina has made it a priority over the past few weeks to face representatives of teacher groups and address their concerns. She has met separately with the Teachers' Dignity Coalition and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers to discuss the status of the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for FY 2022, the impact of Executive Order No. 61 on the PBB and Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI), the results of the DBM-GCG (Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations) studies, and the proposed salary increase for FY 2024.
I had the privilege of attending the signing event at the DepEd Central Office. The atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation and hope as Secretary Pangandaman delivered her speech: “Today’s signing of the IRR of EO No. 174 sends a powerful message to our dear teachers – that their calls did not fall on deaf ears, that their hard work is recognized, their growth is prioritized, and their contributions are acknowledged.” As she spoke, it was clear that this moment was not just a formality but a testament to this administration’s commitment to valuing and uplifting its educators.
The Budget Secretary’s speech underscored the significance of this directive, assuring teachers that their voices were heard and their hard work appreciated.
On the other hand, DepEd Secretary Angara made me respect teachers even more as he shared his experience from the previous day. He mentioned that he, along with President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez, Senator Imee, and other government representatives, went to check on the people on the ground during Typhoon Carina. Despite the presence of many officials, it was clear that teachers were always at the forefront.
“Una ang guro. Eh putik-putik na ang kanyang gamit, sira-sira na ang kanyang gamit pero siya pa rin ‘yong nag-aalaga doon sa mga gamit ng mga bata— ‘yong mga librong nabasa, ‘yong mga kwartong naputikan, ‘yong mga computer na basang-basa na dahil sa pumasok na tubig. And yet nakatawa pa ang ating mga teachers and principals nung inabutan ko po sila,” narrated Secretary Angara.
The new Secretary of DepEd thoroughly explained the benefits of the new system and its implementing rules. Teachers now have the option to move freely between the teaching track and the administrative track. This flexibility ensures that the quality of education remains uncompromised, as teachers can choose the path that best suits their skills and career aspirations.
EO No. 174 will take effect 15 days after the publication of its IRR in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, giving all stakeholders ample time to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines and prepare for their implementation. The transition period spans three years, during which schools and teachers will adjust to the changes. Existing positions will be updated to align with the new framework, and teachers will receive support and training to help them advance their careers under the new guidelines.
Furthermore, DepEd, in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), will provide learning and development interventions to equip teachers with the necessary competencies for promotion and career advancement.
The work of Sec. Mina and Sec. Angara is not just commendable but truly transformative, benefiting thousands of educators who have been waiting for such a comprehensive and supportive framework.
There is hope!