Emphasizing that students will remember how their educators helped them believe in themselves, President Marcos encouraged teachers to teach learners empathy and character.

"Teach not only knowledge, but empathy. Not only skills, but character. Because long after the lessons are over, what your students will remember most is how you made them believe in themselves," Marcos said.

The President made the statement as he witnessed the oath-taking of newly-promoted teachers and school heads under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) program from the Bulacan and Pampanga clusters during a ceremony in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Marcos told them to keep in mind the students who look up to them, the parents, and the communities who trusted them and believed in them as they assumed their new positions.

"As you assume a new position today, I hope you carry with you the faces of the students who look up to you, the parents who entrust their children to your care, and the communities that believe in the difference that you make in their lives every single day," Marcos said.

He assured them that his administration will continue to expand opportunities for teachers’ promotion by opening more senior positions.

"After all, when our teachers are supported, our students are better served, and our nation moves forward with greater confidence," he said.

The Chief Executive also paid tribute to the sacrifices of teachers, citing their early mornings, long commutes, extended hours checking papers and preparing lessons, and added responsibilities during elections, census activities, and community service.

Marcos acknowledged that many educators had previously lost hope of promotion due to heavy workloads and limited plantilla positions.

“Kaya, gumagawa tayo ng mga hakbang upang marami pang guro ang tumaas ang posisyon, at kagaya ng aking ipinangako, walang sinuman na teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I (Therefore, we are taking steps so that more teachers can move up in rank, and as I promised, no teacher will retire as a Teacher I),” he said.

He emphasized that while technology, such as laptops and artificial intelligence, can aid instruction, it cannot replace the compassion, care, and personal guidance provided by teachers.

He reiterated that education remains a top priority of his administration, noting that more than P1.34 trillion has been allocated to the sector this year—equivalent to over four percent of the national economy.

Marcos also highlighted key support programs for teachers, including the rollout of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan, which brings free medical services such as laboratory tests, consultations, medicines, and vital signs monitoring directly to educators.