President Marcos Celebrates Landmark Teacher Promotion Law Implementation
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has highlighted the timely execution of Republic Act 12288, known as the Career Progression for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, during a significant ceremony in Bulacan. This legislative measure establishes clear career pathways with equivalent salaries and benefits for educators, addressing long-standing concerns over limited advancement opportunities within the public school system.
Oath-Taking Ceremony Marks Major Milestone
On Thursday, February 19, a total of 1,991 public school teachers and school heads from Bulacan and Pampanga participated in an oath-taking ceremony at the City of San Jose Del Monte Sports Complex in Bulacan. The event was administered by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara and witnessed by President Marcos, underscoring the government's commitment to educational reform.
Regional Breakdown of Promotions
In Central Luzon, the promotions were distributed as follows:
- Bulacan recorded the highest number at 408 promotions.
- Pampanga followed with 368.
- Mabalacat City had 301.
- Angeles City saw 238.
- City of San Fernando had 233.
- City of San Jose Del Monte recorded 145.
- Meycauayan City had 128.
- City of Malolos saw 90.
- Baliwag City had 80.
The rollout of this structured, competency-based career progression system has enabled many educators, who had remained in lower positions like Teacher II for years, to advance to higher ranks such as Teacher VII, Master Teachers I to III, and principals from Principal I to Principal IV.
Leadership Emphasizes Teacher Role in National Progress
In his address, President Marcos emphasized the critical role of teachers in translating policies into tangible outcomes. "I have always believed that the true measure of a nation's progress is the kind of future that we prepare for our youth. Policies and programs set the direction, but it is through you—our teachers—that these aspirations take root and grow," he stated. He added that recognizing the journey of teachers in Bulacan and Pampanga is essential, as they shape the future of children and, consequently, the nation.
Secretary Angara encouraged teachers to expedite their promotion requirements, noting that DepEd has opened 30,000 teaching positions and plans to promote an additional 100,000 teachers, pending funding under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
