President Marcos Leads Ceremony for Newly Promoted Educators, Reaffirms Education Commitment
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally presided over a significant mass oath-taking ceremony for newly promoted teachers and school heads from the Bulacan and Pampanga cluster on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The event, held in San Jose del Monte City under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, served as a platform for the President to reiterate his administration's unwavering dedication to bolstering the education sector and supporting Filipino educators.
Recognizing Teacher Sacrifices and Vital Role
In his address, President Marcos highlighted the indispensable contributions of teachers to the nation's future. "I have always believed that the true measure of a nation's progress is the kind of future that we prepare for our youth. Policies and programs set the direction, but it is through you -- our teachers -- that these aspirations take root and grow," he stated emphatically. This ceremony follows similar mass oath-takings he previously led for teachers in Ilocos Norte and the National Capital Region, all within the ECP framework designed to enhance career advancement opportunities.
Addressing Historical Promotion Challenges
The President openly acknowledged the longstanding frustrations many educators have faced, including heavy workloads and limited plantilla positions that previously hindered promotion prospects. "Hindi ako papayag na hindi masuklian ang inyong sakripisyo. Kaya, gumagawa tayo ng mga hakbang upang marami pang guro ang tumaas ang posisyon, at kagaya ng aking ipinangako, walang sinuman na teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I," Marcos declared. This translates to a firm promise that no teacher will retire at the entry-level Teacher I position, ensuring their sacrifices are duly rewarded through systematic career progression.
Substantial Budget Allocation and Support Programs
Emphasizing education as a top priority, President Marcos pointed to the substantial financial backing for the sector. The administration has allocated over P1.34 trillion for education in 2026, representing more than four percent of the national economy. Beyond funding, key support initiatives for teachers are being actively implemented:
- The Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap) Caravan, which delivers free medical services—including laboratory tests, consultations, medicines, and vital signs monitoring—directly to educators.
- Disbursement of the Service Recognition Incentive for the previous year, with an additional P7.372 billion earmarked to ensure all qualified teachers receive their benefits.
- Release of the P10,000 teaching allowance for School Year 2025–2026 and the P7,000 medical allowance starting in 2025.
Technology Cannot Replace Teacher Dedication
President Marcos also reflected on the irreplaceable human element in education, despite technological advancements. "Kahit ilang laptop, Artificial Intelligence, o ano pang teknolohiya ang gamitin natin, wala pa ring papalit sa pagmamahal, sa malasakit, at sa alaga ng ating mga guro sa inyong mga estudyante," he remarked. This underscores the belief that no amount of digital tools can substitute for the love, care, and guidance teachers provide. He concluded by affirming the government's role in making the teaching profession more sustainable, dignified, and rewarding, standing firmly beside educators as they shape the nation's future.
