DepEd promotes 5,354 teachers, school heads in Bicol

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- A total of 5,354 public-school teachers and school heads in Bicol have advanced in their careers under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, marking a major step toward faster promotion and better retention of educators in the region.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the mass oath-taking ceremony for the newly promoted and reclassified teachers and school heads at the Camarines Sur Freedom Sports Complex on Friday, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directives in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The mass oath-taking formally implements the ECP System under Executive Order No. 174, series of 2022, and DepEd Order No. 034, series of 2025.

The reform seeks to address long-standing limitations in teacher promotion by providing expanded career pathways based on merit, performance and professional standards. It also aims to boost teacher motivation and retention while improving the quality of teaching and school management.

Under the ECP System, public-school teachers can advance through expanded position levels from Teacher I to VII and Master Teacher I to V, while school heads can progress from School Principal I to IV.

“It was part of President Bongbong Marcos’ vision when he signed the ECP that no Teacher I would retire as a Teacher I,” Angara said.

“We will continue to fulfill that promise because under the ECP, teachers and school heads no longer have to wait for decades for a vacancy to move up,” he added.

Angara also honored 35 of the longest-serving teachers in Camarines Sur during the ceremony, recognizing their decades of dedicated service to basic education.

“On behalf of President Marcos, we thank you for your years—and for many of you, decades—of unwavering service to our learners and their families,” Angara said. “I am certain that you have inspired thousands of young Filipinos. We salute your dedication, sacrifice, and tireless service to our country.”

Marcos said in his recent SONA that more than 82,000 educators had already received appointments under the ECP framework.

Microphones for teachers

Angara also led the ceremonial turnover of lapel microphones to teachers as part of DepEd’s efforts to address vocal strain and fatigue associated with daily classroom instruction.

The initiative responds to the President’s directive to prioritize the health and well-being of teachers while providing them with modern teaching equipment.

The lapel microphones are intended to help teachers communicate more effectively in the classroom while reducing the need to strain their voices during lessons.

DepEd investments in Albay

Following his engagements in Camarines Sur, Angara proceeded to Albay, where he led the inauguration of the Ligao City Schools Division Office building.

He also inaugurated a 48-classroom school building at Marcial Rañola Memorial School in Guinobatan, Albay.

The school project, funded by DepEd at a cost of P145 million, is expected to provide additional learning spaces for students and improve the delivery of basic education in the province.