President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, on Monday witnessed the mass oath-taking of more than 5,400 newly hired and promoted teachers and school counselor associates (SCAs) in Pangasinan, administered by Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Of the total, 5,211 were teachers and school heads, while 234 were SCAs.
In his speech, Marcos said his administration is addressing the slow career advancement in public education to recognize the vital role of educators in nation-building.
“Through the Department of Education (DepEd), we have implemented the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System. This provides our public school teachers with clearer opportunities for professional development and career advancement,” he said.
Marcos said more than 82,100 teachers and school heads nationwide have been reclassified under the ECP System as of November.
In Pangasinan alone, more than 10,200 teachers and school heads have benefited from the initiative.
“To each one of you, congratulations. You have earned this moment through your years of hard work, sacrifice, and your devotion to your students,” Marcos told the newly promoted teachers.
He also cited the achievements of newly promoted educators who came from farming families, including Mary Anne Luzadas and Joanne Jacinto.
“We want to see more of our teachers grow, succeed, and advance in your profession. Hence, we promote the continuous learning and professional development,” he said.
From 2022 to 2025, more than 607,574 teachers participated in various professional development and training programs.
“We are also giving our teachers more time to focus on your students. We have reduced the paperwork required of our teachers from 174 forms to 75, with only five requiring regular completion. This means more time for you to prepare lessons, to teach our students, and to guide them,” Marcos said.
The DepEd also launched on Monday the distribution of laptops to public school teachers.
“These laptops will equip our school personnel with the tools that they need to carry out their duties more efficiently,” Marcos said.
Meanwhile, Marcos underscored the important role of school counselors in safeguarding the mental health of young people.
“We also acknowledge the shortage of school counselors. As we pay greater attention to the mental health of our youth, their role has become more crucial, more important than ever. These concerns require concrete measures, and that is precisely what this Administration is working to deliver,” he said.
He said the newly hired school counselor associates would strengthen counseling and mental health services in schools and ensure that students receive the support they need.
“As part of our effort to make each learner safe, heard, and cared for, we have expanded the National Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline and we have strengthened school policies and coordinated action against bully,” he said.
Angara, for his part, described ECP as Marcos’ legacy, with over 80,000 teachers promoted this year and 132,000 potential to be promoted next year.
“These are those whose promotions have been deferred not just for years but for decades. You have changed that, Sir,” he said in his speech.
He added that the hiring of SCAs shows Marcos’ thrust in strengthening mental health program for the youth. (PNA)
