BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Marking National Teachers’ Month celebration and in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen the teaching profession, the Department of Education (DepEd) has operationalized the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System to provide teachers with clearer, fairer, and competency-based pathways for growth. 

In DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025, the new system introduces additional teaching positions—Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V—and offers two career tracks: Classroom Teaching and School Administration. It also establishes a reclassification process for promotions, enabling teachers to advance once they meet qualifications and demonstrate required competencies, without waiting for vacancies. 

“Ang Expanded Career Progression System ay handog ng pamahalaan upang suklian ang kanilang sipag at sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng mas malinaw na landas para sa kanilang career sa pagtuturo,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said. 

He explained that the ECP corrects long-standing gaps in the old promotion system as it now features the process of reclassification of position as the primary means of promotion wherein teachers need not compete with other teachers who are also vying for promotion. 

“Matagal nang hinaing ng ating mga guro ang limitadong pagkakataon para umangat. Ngayon, hindi na kailangang maghintay ng bakanteng posisyon. Kapag natugunan ang pamantayan at naipakita ang husay, maaari nang umusad sa karera,” Angara said. 

Anchored on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and School Heads (PPSSH), the system ensures promotions are based on teaching quality and leadership competence rather than credentials alone. 

“Layunin nating panatilihin ang pinakamagagaling na guro sa loob ng silid-aralan. Kapag mataas ang morale at motibasyon ng guro, mas mataas din ang kalidad ng edukasyon para sa mga kabataan,” Angara added. 

The three-year transition period runs from February 25, 2025 to February 24, 2028. Vacant Head Teacher and Assistant Principal posts will be converted to Teacher I items after 90 days from the issuance of the Order, while unfilled Teacher I-III and Master Teacher I-IV positions shall be filled up within a year from the date of issuance of the IRR (i.e., February 25, 2025). 

During the transition period, incumbents of Head Teacher and Assistant School Principal positions shall have the option to either retain their current titles or be retitled to equivalent positions, with corresponding options in terms of functions to be performed, without diminution of salary and step increment.  

They shall also be considered “on-stream candidates” for promotion to School Principal positions, without the need to pass through the Master Teacher I level, whether through reclassification or application to  natural vacancy. 

Alongside the ECP, DepEd is also strengthening teacher development programs through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), which will prioritize training for teachers, head teachers, and assistant school principals preparing for leadership roles. Retirable teachers within five years will likewise be prioritized for promotion or reclassification. 

“Kasabay ng bagong career progression, tinutukan din natin ang professional development ng guro—mula sa mas malinaw na job descriptions hanggang sa mas madaling access sa training at mentorship. Lahat ng ito ay bahagi ng mas malawak na reporma para gawing mas kaaya-aya ang propesyon sa ating kaguruan,” Angara said. 

*All Photos from DepEd