Pasig City, 26 July 2024 – Public school teachers will now benefit from a new Expanded Career Progression System, thanks to recently signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Executive Order (EO) No. 174 series of 2022, or Establishing the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers. The signing ceremony led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, took place at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan in the DepEd Central Office.
The ceremony was attended by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles and Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chair Charito Zamora. Secretary Angara highlighted the importance of this initiative for teachers’ professional growth and career advancement.
Executive Order 174 Addressing Promotion Issues
Executive Order 174, endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., addresses long-standing concerns about the slow promotion process for public school teachers. In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Marcos stressed that no public school teacher should retire as Teacher I, emphasizing the need for a dynamic career progression system.
New Positions in Teaching and Administration
The IRR for the Expanded Career Progression System defines two distinct career paths for teachers: Classroom Teaching Career Line and School Administration Career Line. Teachers can switch career lines during their professional careers.
The new IRR introduces additional teaching positions under the Classroom Teaching Career Line, including Teacher IV (SG 14), Teacher V (SG 15), Teacher VI (SG 16), Teacher VII (SG 17), and Master Teacher V (SG 22).
For School Administration Career Line, teachers holding Master Teacher I positions can advance to School Principal I to School Principal IV.
Flexibility and Leadership Opportunities
A key aspect of this reform is the flexibility it offers teachers. Those who qualify for Master Teacher I can choose to remain in classroom teaching or move into school administration. This option allows highly skilled teachers to pursue leadership roles, enhancing school management quality.
Strengthening Reclassification Processes
The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will strengthen reclassification processes to allow teachers to progress based on merit and competence. The DepEd will also work closely with the CSC and PRC to standardize qualifications for teaching positions across all levels of basic education, including Senior High School. This alignment aims to create a more cohesive and fair system for teacher advancement.
A More Rewarding Career Trajectory
With these reforms, public school teachers can expect a more rewarding career trajectory, ensuring their professional growth and improving the overall quality of education in the Philippines.
Upcoming Opportunities for Teachers
Next year 2025, around 140,000 positions are expected to be available for public school teachers through the career progression program. The DepEd announced this following the ceremonial signing of the IRR of Executive Order No. 174 series of 2022.
Emphasis on Teacher Value
“I want to emphasize how much President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. values our teachers,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara, referring to the President’s third State of the Nation Address.
“Today’s signing sends a powerful message to our teachers – their hard work is recognized, their growth is prioritized and their contributions are acknowledged,” said DBM Secretary Pangandaman.
Funding and Implementation
DepEd Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral mentioned that by 2025, 140,000 teachers would benefit from this career progression system. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that PHP1.1 billion has been allocated for the DepEd’s 2024 budget, with another PHP6.1 billion for 2025.
Teachers’ Coalition Feedback
Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) chairperson Benjo Basas praised the new career progression tracks, highlighting their significance. Secretary Angara added that this opportunity would improve the quality of education as teachers’ experience and skills benefit learners.
Additional Benefits for Teachers
In addition to career progression, teachers will also receive personal accident insurance from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Special Hardship Allowance and other teaching allowances following the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act’s enactment.
