BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Backed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s education agenda, the Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified that the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System is a reform that is designed to open more opportunities for teachers to move up in their careers without waiting for vacancies, while still championing merit-based promotion.  

DepEd said the new system directly responds to the long-standing concern of public school teachers that promotions were dependent on the resulting vacancies of plantilla items.  

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the measure should be viewed as a fairer framework for promotion. “Ang malinaw na mensahe ng ECP: kung handa ka, may pagkakataon kang umangat. Hindi mo kailangang maghintay na may mabakanteng posisyon bago kilalanin ang iyong husay at sipag. Teachers can progress once they meet the standards, rather than be held back by structural limits,” Angara said. 

Clearer career lines, fairer rules 

The system introduces two career lines: Classroom Teaching (CT), covering Teacher I to VII and Master Teacher I to V; and School Administration (SA), covering School Principal I to IV. Educators may shift career lines once, subject to qualifications, assessments and staffing standards. 

DepEd explained that limits on promotions—such as the rule that reclassification cannot exceed three salary grades—are safeguards to maintain balance and merit. Exceptions may only be granted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) or the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) upon proper justification. 

Teachers applying for reclassification must meet a 50-point requirement for teaching positions, while principals face no cut-off score. DepEd clarified that focusing on one target position at a time avoids wasted effort and expenses. 

On performance standards, DepEd dispelled fears that a single Satisfactory rating under the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST)-based IPCRF. Teachers may still be promoted within the same career stage as long as they meet the required performance requirements. However, moving to a higher career stage—such as from Proficient to Highly Proficient—requires Very Satisfactory or Outstanding ratings across all 37 PPST indicators. 

DepEd further explained that waiting periods are no longer a barrier as teachers promoted in the previous year may apply again within the same stage after 1 year, within the same career stage, provided that they meet the qualification standards and performance requirements.   

Addressing incumbents’ concerns 

To address worries of school leaders, DepEd assured that Head Teachers, Assistant School Principals, Special School Principals, and Assistant Special School Principals remain covered by the ECP. For the next three years, they will be prioritized in promotions and professional development, and may opt to be retitled to teaching or schoolprincipal positions under the ECP system without dimunition in salary and step increment.  

Incumbent school principals appointed before the implementation of assessments such as the Principal’s Test, NQESH, or NASH will also not be required to take new exams or present a Certificate of Rating when applying for higher principal positions. 

Angara underscored that the ECP reflects the government’s broader education reform agenda under President Marcos. “Ito ay hindi dagdag pasanin, kundi dagdag pagkakataon. Ito ang ating paraan para maging mas patas at mas malinaw ang ating career system,” he said. 

DepEd enjoined teachers to support the reform, stressing that the system was built to reward readiness, competence, and professional growth.  

“The ECP honors the choices of teachers—whether to stay in the classroom or move into leadership—while ensuring every step up is grounded on merit and fairness,” Angara said. 

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from DepEd