The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system ensures that the country’s public school teachers will get the promotions they deserve.

Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Saturday, Sept. 13 as he expressed his full support for this "landmark reform" in the education sector.

Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative said the recalibrated promotion system will uplift teachers’ careers by granting promotions based on competence and merit, instead of being limited by the availability of vacant positions.

“This reform is a clear demonstration of how the Marcos administration values the role of our teachers. By ensuring that promotions are now based on their own excellence and dedication, we are giving them the recognition they truly deserve as the molders of our nation’s future,” Romualdez said.

“Dati ay kulang ang mga oportunidad na makaangat ang ating mga guro dahil walang bakanteng puwesto para sa kanila. Ngayon, bibigyan na sila ng pagkilala sa pamamagitan ng promosyon na batay sa kanilang angking galing at dunong—isang makabuluhang pagkilala at pasasalamat ng pamahalaan sa mga oras na iginugol nila sa pagtuturo sa ating mga anak,” he noted.

(In the past, there were limited opportunities for our teachers to advance because there were no vacant positions available for them. Now, they will be given recognition through promotions based on their inherent talent and wisdom—a meaningful acknowledgment and expression of gratitude from the government for the time they have devoted to teaching our children.)

The House leader stressed that the new system affirmed what the President emphasized in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA)—that empowering teachers through professional growth and career advancement is key to transforming the country’s education sector.

“The ECP System paves the way for genuine career advancement and self-fulfillment for our teachers. It revives the joy of teaching as both vocation and calling, while opening the promise of higher rank and better pay for those who meet the standards,” Romualdez said.

DepEd has begun implementing DepEd Order No. 024, series of 2025, which established the ECP System. It introduced new teaching ranks—Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V—and created two career tracks in classroom teaching and school administration.

Promotions will now be anchored on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers and School Heads, prioritizing teaching quality and leadership competence.

Romualdez underscored that the ECP System fulfills the constitutional mandate to give education the highest priority in government spending and policymaking.

“As legislators, it is our constitutional duty to ensure that education receives the support it deserves. By funding programs like the [ECP] system, we are fulfilling this mandate while uplifting the very people who shape the nation’s future—our teachers,” he said.

The Speaker also urged DepEd to complement the new system with opportunities for teachers’ professional development, such as advanced studies, training, and mentorship.

“Handa kaming sumuporta sa mga ganitong inisyatibo na makakatulong sa pag-usad ng mga karera ng ating mga guro. Makakatulong din ito upang mahasa silang lalo, nang sila ay may kakayahan na baguhin ang sistema ng edukasyon gaya ng nilalayon ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.,” Romualdez said.

(We are ready to support initiatives like these that will help advance the careers of our teachers. This will also help further hone their skills, so they will be equipped to transform the education system as envisioned by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.)