The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, October 6, honored the service, dedication, and invaluable contributions of Filipino educators during the National Teachers’ Day (NTD) 2025 celebration.

The event, which also served as the culminating activity for this year’s World Teachers’ Day (WTD) and National Teachers’ Month (NTM), carried the theme “Together 4 Teachers.”

The celebration gathered around 12,500 teachers across Luzon, marking the highlight of this year’s NTD, NTM, and WTD festivities.

Honoring teachers

President Marcos and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In his speech, the President recognized the vital role of teachers in nation-building and expressed his deep gratitude for their efforts.

“On this National Teachers’ Day, we offer you our respect and deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts, and, in your own way, building a nation that we can be proud of—one student at a time,” Marcos said.

President Marcos and DepEd celebrate the dedication and impact of Filipino educators who continue to shape minds, touch hearts, and build the nation—one student at a time. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin)

He also emphasized the government’s continuing efforts to provide better benefits and ensure the welfare of educators.

“In every classroom across the Philippines—from the busiest city to the most isolated barrio—teachers impart far more than just knowledge,” he said, noting that as teachers shape lives and mold values, they also learn “patience, courage, and hope from the very children they guide.”

The event featured performances, tributes, and recognition programs dedicated to the nation’s educators who continue to inspire and nurture generations of learners.

Teachers at the heart of learning

In a statement, Angara underscored the crucial role of teachers in the learning process and recognized their dedication to ensuring that every Filipino child receives the education they deserve.

“Our teachers have been the first to step up in every crisis, ensuring that children’s education does not stop. That is why recovery efforts are tied closely with teacher support,” Angara said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and working conditions.

DepEd highlights programs advancing teachers’ welfare

Angara emphasized that DepEd is prioritizing initiatives that directly enhance the lives of educators—ranging from career progression and health benefits to workload reduction—aligned with President Marcos’ directive to make teacher support felt “in every classroom, for every teacher, and every learner.”

“Patuloy na nagbibigay ang DepEd ng prayoridad sa inyong kapakanan, mula sa career progression, dagdag benepisyo tulad ng teaching, medical, overtime at overload pay, hanggang sa pagbawas ng admin tasks (DepEd continues to prioritize your welfare—from career progression and additional benefits such as teaching, medical, overtime, and overload pay, to the reduction of administrative tasks),” he said. 

From career progression and medical allowances to reduced admin work— President Marcos and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting every teacher in every classroom. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin)

“Lagi kayong kaagapay ng Kagawaran. Ngunit gaya ng paalala ni Pangulong Marcos, dapat maramdaman ang tulong sa bawat silid-aralan, sa bawat guro, sa bawat bata (You are always the Department’s partners. But as President Marcos reminded us, the support must be felt in every classroom, by every teacher, and by every child),” he added. 

Among DepEd’s major initiatives for teachers is the provision of a P7,000 annual medical allowance for teachers and personnel to cover HMO and medical needs.

DepEd said the target beneficiaries for this program total 1,203,550 personnel. As of last month, 982,237 have already received the benefit, with disbursement ongoing.

DepEd also highlighted the Expanded Career Progression System, which accelerates promotions to ensure no teacher retires as Teacher I. The program offers two career tracks: Teaching Track: Up to Teacher VII and Master Teacher V and Administrative Track: Up to School Principal IV. 

As President Marcos highlighted, DepEd noted a 57 percent reduction in administrative tasks, with only five essential school forms now required. This allows teachers to focus more on instruction.

DepEd also improved the vacation service credits, now allowing teachers to enjoy 30 days, double the previous 15 days, which may be used for personal or health-related reasons.

Another key program is the Teacher Education Roadmap 2025–2035, led by the Teacher Education Council (TEC). This 10-year plan outlines strategies for a more innovative teacher education curriculum aligned with DepEd’s Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) 2025–2035.

To address class congestion, the government also plans to open 60,000 new teaching positions by FY 2026, backed by a P114.39 billion allocation for salaries and benefits—a 19.4 percent increase from the previous year.

DepEd likewise proposed a P16 billion FY 2026 budget for digitalization initiatives, including 240,000 new laptops, improved school connectivity, and enhanced internet support for teachers.

DepEd confirmed that the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for eligible teaching and non-teaching staff has been approved. 

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has confirmed the release of the Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO) by year-end, with DepEd finalizing eligibility and submitting the list of qualified teachers before fund disbursement.

Celebrating teachers as pillars of nation-building

DepEd said the National Teachers’ Day 2025 celebration goes beyond recognition—it is a reaffirmation of teachers’ central role in nation-building, quality education, and learning recovery after years of pandemic-related challenges.

The NTD celebration also serves as the culmination of World Teachers’ Day activities, joining the global community in honoring educators’ tireless work and lifelong impact on society.

According to DepEd, this year’s event aims to honor and celebrate those in the teaching profession; acknowledge and highlight the vital role, loyal service, and dedicated commitment of teachers in developing globally minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities, and building the nation; revitalize respect for teaching as a vocation by raising public awareness of teachers’ value in Philippine society; promote teaching as an attractive and fulfilling profession; and express gratitude for the positive influence teachers have on Filipino learners.

The Philippines officially observes National Teachers’ Month each year from September 5 to October 5, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 242 (2011).

Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 10743 (2016) formally designates October 5 as National Teachers’ Day, aligning the country with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebration of World Teachers’ Day.