THE DEPARTMENT of Education oversees nearly 900,000 public school teachers, making long-standing promotion delays a system-wide challenge. Across Luzon to Mindanao, advancement often came late, not due to lack of performance, but because of rigid structures and persistent backlogs.

To address these gaps, the Expanded Career Progression for Teachers (ECP), enacted under Republic Act No. 12288 during the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to clear promotion backlogs, recognize actual classroom service, and ensure timely career advancement for active teachers.

Recent reforms have sparked hope nationwide.

Service Beyond Sight, Progress Through Reform

For nearly three decades, Nardito Dalman Tomampil Jr. taught science and values education at Santiago National High School in Iligan City. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa two years into his career, he gradually lost his vision but continued teaching.

Despite decades of service, his first promotion to Teacher II came only in 2021. Under the ECP, he was promoted to Teacher IV in 2025, reflecting timely recognition of his dedication.

“Ang maipapayo ko po sa ating mga kapwa-guro na may kapansanan ay huwag silang panghinaan ng loob at dapat magsumikap at panatilihin ang commitment sa pagtuturo at darating din ang pagkakataon upang kayo ay ma-promote,” he said.

Leaps to New Positions

Similarly, Teacher Rebecca M. Macaiba of Manadapig Elementary School in Tabuk City, Kalinga, advanced from Teacher III to Teacher VI under the ECP, a three-step leap after 19 years of service. She credited President Marcos and Secretary Sonny Angara for prioritizing teacher recognition and implementing tangible reforms.

A Different Path for the Next Generation

The stories of Tomampil and Macaiba highlight systemic improvements. With 16,000 teachers already promoted and 41,000 more in line, the goal is to end career stagnation. President Marcos emphasized, “Sa sistemang ito, wala nang public school teacher na magre-retire na Teacher I lamang.”

New teachers will no longer wait decades for promotion, ensuring that advancement aligns with growing responsibilities.