Stressing that lessons and values taught to children last much longer, President Marcos encouraged teachers to teach the youth lessons of integrity, responsibility, and patriotism.

During the oath-taking ceremony of teachers and school heads of Department of Education (DepEd)-National Capital Region (NCR) under the expanded career progression (ECP) on Friday, Feb. 6, Marcos emphasized that the future of the next generation rests in their hands.

Thus, he urged them to not only teach their students lessons from books, but also values crucial to their success.

"Teach our youth not only lessons from the pages of a book but lessons that shape lives: lessons of integrity, of responsibility, and for love of country," Marcos said.

"Many things in this life may change, but the lessons and values that you impart remain long after we are all gone," he added.

In witnessing the oath-taking of teachers, which formalizes their promotions, the President assured them the government remains committed to creating a system that protects and empowers teachers.

Marcos reiterated that teaching is not an easy profession, as it requires patience, sacrifice, and courage; therefore, such dedication must be matched with concrete government support.

"We will expand our educators' career paths through strategic reclassification. By creating more higher-level positions, we can have senior educators move up based on merit and open new entry positions to new graduates," he said.

"Your promotion will be a doorway to a better life for you and your family. We hope to help you achieve greater financial stability and the much-deserved recognition for your very, very hard work," he added.

"So as you take your oath today, whether as a teacher or as a school head, remember that every responsible citizen passed through your classroom and was shaped by your nurturing hands," he went on.

The Chief Executive highlighted that education remains the government’s top priority, with more than P1.34 trillion allocated to the sector, or more than four percent of the country’s economy.

Budgetary support measures include the release of the 2025 Service Recognition Incentive for teachers and non-teaching staff, with the recent additional P7.3 billion to cover all eligible teachers; the release of the P10,000 teaching allowance for School Year 2025 to 2026; and the issuance of guidelines on the grant of the P7,000 medical allowance in 2025.

Marcos also underscored ongoing efforts to create additional teaching positions, reduce administrative workload, and expand career pathways through strategic reclassification under the ECP, which allows senior educators to advance based on merit and open new entry positions to new graduates.