Gov’t to allot funds for public school teachers’ career advancement, prevent entry-level retirements
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on July 22 that the Philippine government will allocate funds for an expanded career progression system aimed at public school teachers.
This initiative, revealed during his third State of the Nation Address, seeks to enhance professional development and career advancement opportunities for educators.
Marcos emphasized that the new system will ensure that no teacher retires at the entry-level rank of “Teacher I.”
He said, “With this system in place, we will accelerate the career growth of teachers. Sa sistemang ito, wala nang public school teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I lamang.”
The initiative aims to address the limited promotional opportunities currently available to teachers, which often leads many to leave the profession.
The expanded career progression system will offer two major paths: a teaching track and a school administration track.
This structure allows teachers to choose whether they want to remain in the classroom or move into administrative roles, providing ample opportunities for growth in both areas.
Marcos highlighted the importance of supporting teachers, saying, “Sa madaling sabi, kung talagang ninanais nating maging magtagumpay ang hinahangad nating pagbangon sa larangan ng edukasyon, sila — ang ating mga guro — ang dapat nating itaguyod at patatagin (In short, if we truly want to succeed in our educational recovery, we must support and strengthen our teachers.)”
The government’s funding for this initiative reflects a commitment to recognizing the vital role teachers play in the education system.
By creating a structured career progression system, the government aims to improve the retention of skilled educators and promote a more equitable promotion process.
In addition to the career progression system, Marcos also addressed other educational challenges, including the need for better textbook procurement and the implementation of a national learning recovery program.
These efforts aim to ensure that teachers have the necessary resources to provide quality education and effectively support student learning.
