PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday urged the Department of Education (DepEd), teachers and government workers to work together in improving the quality of education in the country,
The President made the call during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day Celebration at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City where he recognized the dedication and contributions of teachers in shaping the nation and society.
“As we lay down the groundwork for a more resilient sector, I enjoin DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, along with our government agencies, to continue improving the quality of education, uphold the rights of our teachers, and adapt to the ever-evolving needs of our academic landscape,” Marcos said.
“To our teachers, keep shaping our students who will not only face the uncertainties of today but will also embrace the opportunities of tomorrow. Our future rests in your hands. This administration trusts that you will help us build the Bagong Pilipinas that we all aspire to achieve,” he added.
The call was made amid reports on the poor performance of Filipino students in subjects such as Science and Math.
The President assured the teachers, especially those in public schools, of the government’s commitment to ensure their career advancement, improved welfare, as well as the provision of ample resources to enable them to undertake their teaching profession well.
“Whether by additional materials, reducing non-teaching, and or reducing non-teaching responsibilities,” he added.
The President reiterated his promise during his State of the Nation address last July that no public school teacher will retire with an entry-level position.
He cited some of the programs and projects of the administration, including the implementation of the expanded career progression (ECP) system, as well as the streamlining of the career path for public school administrators, giving the teacher the choice to advance into leadership and management roles.
Marcos said the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Executive Order No. 174, which established the ECP, brings more opportunities for public school teachers’ career advancement and professional development, has been issued.
The IRR, issued last July, outlines two distinct career paths for Filipino educators to pursue: the Classroom Teaching (CT) Career Line and the School Administration (SA) Career Line.
This allows public school teachers at all levels from kindergarten to senior high school to choose between advancing as classroom instructors or pursuing school administration. Those who opt to remain in classroom teaching are ensured of advancement of stature and compensation.
“It is not just a recognition of our teachers’ dedication, but also a testament to our shared commitment to empowering our educators,” Marcos added.
The President said the DepEd has also issued Department Order No. 005, series of 2024, which ensures the fair and equitable distribution of teaching load as well as proper compensation for their work.
“Public school teachers will be properly compensated once they exceed the prescribed six hours of classroom teaching every day. We are instituting these measures to foster a more balanced and conducive work environment for our public school teachers,” he said.
Marcos said the other government programs for public school teachers include the P5,000 one-time tax-free teaching allowance for the purchase of teaching supplies and materials which would be increased to P10,000 next school year. This is covered by the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act.
He said public school teachers will also benefit from the increase in salaries for government employees and delivery of medical allowance worth P7,000 under Executive Order No. 64, and receive the Personal Accident Insurance Policy under the Government Service Insurance Corporation.
There are around 860,000 public school teachers in the country.
