(Screengrab from RTVM livestreaam)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the mass oath-taking of 5,445 newly promoted and newly hired Department of Education (DepEd) personnel at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City on Monday, November 9, as part of government efforts to strengthen the public education workforce and expand career opportunities for educators.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara administered the oath to 5,211 personnel under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, comprising 4,972 teachers and 239 school heads.
Another 234 newly appointed School Counselor Associates (SCAs) also took their oath during the ceremony, marking an expansion of learner support and mental health services in public schools across Pangasinan.
The mass oath-taking highlighted the government’s efforts to recognize the contributions of Filipino educators while providing additional opportunities for professional advancement and improving student support services.
The ECP System, established under Executive Order No. 174, series of 2022, and implemented through DepEd Order No. 034, series of 2025, expands career pathways for public school teachers and school administrators.
Under the system, teachers may advance through positions ranging from Teacher I to Teacher VII and Master Teacher I to Master Teacher V, while school heads may progress from School Principal I to School Principal IV.
The career progression framework is anchored on professional competencies, performance, and established teaching standards, allowing educators to pursue promotions based on their qualifications and professional development.
The initiative aims to provide greater career mobility, recognize teaching excellence, and encourage educators to remain in public service.
Meanwhile, the appointment of 234 School Counselor Associates forms part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The law seeks to strengthen mental health programs and guidance services in public schools by providing additional personnel to address learners’ psychological, emotional, social, and academic needs.
Working under the supervision of school counselors, SCAs will assist in implementing counseling programs, conducting learner assessments, facilitating referrals, providing career guidance, and delivering psychosocial support services.
Their deployment is expected to help schools respond more effectively to students experiencing academic difficulties, emotional distress, and other challenges affecting their well-being.
The government also aims to strengthen school-based mental health services while promoting a safer and more supportive learning environment for students.
The ceremony underscored the administration’s continuing efforts to improve the quality of basic education by investing in teacher development, school leadership, and learner welfare.
Through expanded career opportunities and additional student support personnel, DepEd seeks to build a more capable education workforce while addressing the evolving needs of public school learners nationwide.
