BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Public school teachers in the Philippines are set to benefit from the newly signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Expanded Career Progression System, led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara. The signing ceremony took place at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan in the DepEd Central Office on Friday.

Joined by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles, and Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chair Charito Zamora, Secretary Angara emphasized the importance of this initiative for teachers’ professional development and career advancement.

Executive Order 174, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has endorsed, aims to address long-standing concerns about the slow promotion process for public school teachers. In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Marcos Jr. stressed that no public school teacher should retire as Teacher I, highlighting the need for a more dynamic career progression system.

Under the new IRR, the Classroom Teaching Career Line will now include additional teaching positions: Teacher IV (SG 14), Teacher V (SG 15), Teacher VI (SG 16), Teacher VII (SG 17), and Master Teacher V (SG 22). For those pursuing administrative roles, the career path will feature streamlined positions: School Principal I, School Principal II, School Principal III, and School Principal IV.

A significant aspect of this reform is the flexibility it offers teachers. Those who qualify for Master Teacher I can choose between remaining in classroom teaching or moving into school administration. This option ensures that highly skilled teachers can aspire to leadership roles, thereby enhancing the quality of school management.

The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), will also reinforce reclassification processes. This will allow teachers to progress based on merit and competence rather than waiting for teaching positions to become available.

Furthermore, the DepEd will 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.

With these reforms, public school teachers can look forward to a more rewarding career trajectory, ensuring their professional growth and improving the overall quality of education in the Philippines.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Instagram (@sonnyangara)