President Marcos said the decades-long wait for teacher promotions under the old system was “unfair,” as he pushed reforms to accelerate career progression in the public education sector.

Speaking at the mass oath-taking of newly promoted teachers and principals in Eastern Visayas, the President said some educators had to wait up to 30 years before advancing from entry-level positions.

“Ang mga tinuturuan ninyo ngayon ang susunod na mga inhinyero, mga doktor, mga guro, propesyonal, manggagawa, at mga lider ng ating bansa. Sa kabila nito, hindi pa rin nasusuklian nang sapat ang inyong naging sakripisyo (You are teaching future engineers, doctors, teachers, professionals, laborers, and our country’s leaders. Yet, we have not repaid enough for your sacrifices),” he said on Wednesday, April 15.

“Mayroon tayong mga ibang teacher 30 taon na naghihintay… hindi naman siguro tama (We have teachers who waited 30 years… that is not right),” he added.

He said the government has implemented reforms to ensure teachers have clearer and faster career progression.

The President particularly highlighted the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, which creates structured pathways for advancement. Under the system, teachers can pursue either a classroom teaching or a school administration track.

“For many, many years, our public school teachers have faced many barriers to career growth. Our old system did not have the positions and clear pathways for advancement,” he said.

“I’m very, very happy to be here to be a witness to the continuing program that we have that will fulfill my promise during my SONA that… Wala nang mag-retire na Teacher I dito sa atin dahil hindi naman siguro tama at alam naman natin lahat ang sakripisyo ninyo (No teacher will retire as Teacher I as it would be unjust since we are aware of your sacrifices),” he said.

President Marcos said new positions have been introduced to support career growth.

These include Teacher IV to Teacher VII, Master Teacher V to VI, and School Principal V.

He said the reform provides teachers with “clearer direction” in their careers.

He likewise noted that more than 65,000 teachers and school heads have already been promoted under the program. Of these, 2,121 are from Eastern Visayas.

The President said the old system forced many teachers to leave classrooms for administrative roles in search of better pay.

“In some cases, you even had to step away from the thing that you love the most—teaching,” he said.

He said the new system aims to retain teachers and address shortages in schools.

The President also cited additional support for teachers, including the release of a P10,000 teaching supply allowance.

He added that new teaching and non-teaching positions have been created to ease workloads.

Meanwhile, Marcos also highlighted the “Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir” (SPIMS) program, which encourages returning overseas Filipino workers to join the teaching workforce.

He said the initiative will help address teacher shortages.

The President underscored the critical role of teachers in shaping the country’s future.

“Ang mga tinuturuan ninyo ngayon ang susunod na… lider ng ating bansa (The students you teach today will be the future… leaders of our country),” he said.

He added that the teachers’ role has become even more crucial amid global uncertainties.

“Hindi lamang kayo nagtuturo ng kaalaman… nagtuturo ng disiplina at katatagan (You do not only teach knowledge… but also discipline and resilience),” he said.