Educators from Bicol on Tuesday welcomed Malacañang’s announcement on the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools for the upcoming School Year 2025–2026 to strengthen the education sector and ensure sufficient manpower in schools.

In an interview on Tuesday, Kenth Quintanilla, a 22-year-old newly licensed teacher from Pawa, Legazpi City, thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) for addressing the gaps in the education sector and voiced hope for ongoing reforms.

“I hope the government continues to focus on our education system and updates outdated teaching methods so that we can keep pace with more developed countries,” he added.

He noted that the newly created teaching positions will benefit those still seeking employment.

“This move will help reduce the number of registered teachers who have yet to begin their teaching careers,” Quintanilla added.

He added that many educators remain unemployed after passing the licensure examination due to the scarcity of available teaching positions.

Quintanilla said the additional positions would not only help new teachers but also improve the teacher-student ratio, ultimately contributing to a better quality education.

Serena Sese, a teacher also from Masbate province, added that the new teaching positions will help address the shortage of teachers in far-flung areas.

“Thank you, Mr. President. This initiative will address the shortage of teachers in remote areas and support teachers in managing multi-grade classrooms. It has the potential to improve many aspects of the teaching profession. I hope it will also provide opportunities for our teachers to remain in the country instead of seeking opportunities abroad,” she said.

John Daryl Taule, a teacher from San Miguel, Catanduanes, said the new teaching positions would bring a significant benefit for both applicants and students.

“Teaching will improve because there will be more educators, allowing for greater attention to students’ needs within schools, as there will be enough teachers available. More time and focus will be allocated, especially for those teaching multi-grade classes,” he said in the local dialect.

Taule, who has two children, said the new teaching positions will also provide financial support to those who will be hired.

“I truly want to teach; this is my dream. I hope that these 16,000 positions will be the key for many licensed teachers still waiting for employment,” he said.

Meripearl Herry, an educator from Masbate province, expressed her gratitude to the government for the additional positions, hoping they will be made available soon.

“This is very good news. We hope that 16,000 teachers can be included in the school year 2025-2026. This will be a significant help not only for the teachers but also for the students,” she said.

Herry also emphasized that, in addition to teachers, the government should provide extra human resources for non-teaching staff.

Airish Anne Lobarbio, a 24-year-old resident of Banquerohan, Legazpi City, who passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers last year but is currently employed in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, said the addition of new teaching posts has encouraged her to finally pursue a career in teaching.

“It will help and benefit many teachers, not just the newly licensed ones, but also those who have waited a long time for employment,” she said.

“This proposal will not only help educate and expand the knowledge of the younger generation but also assist those who are eager to learn more about education,” Lobarbio added.

The 16,000 new teaching positions are the first tranche of the 20,000 positions targeted for creation this year.

The approved new positions include 15,343 Teacher I posts (Salary Grade 11); 157 Special Science Teachers (Salary Grade 13); and 500 Special Education (SPED) Teachers (Salary Grade 14).

For added flexibility, the Senior High School teaching positions will be created at the division level, allowing School Division Superintendents to transfer or reassign them to where they are most needed. (PNA)