PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and professional development of public school teachers, citing thousands of promotions, the creation of new teaching positions, and increased support for classroom instruction during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Marcos recognized the dedication of Filipino educators, saying the government continues to honor their crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.

“The honor and greatness of our teachers will never be forgotten,” the President said.

Recalling a commitment he made during his previous SONA, Marcos said the government has fulfilled its promise that no public school teacher would retire while still holding the rank of Teacher I.

He reported that more than 80,000 public school teachers and school heads have been promoted through the Expanded Career Progression program, giving educators greater opportunities for professional advancement and career growth.

To further strengthen the teaching workforce, the President said the government has created more than 30,000 additional teaching positions in public schools.

Beyond promotions and new plantilla positions, Marcos said the administration continues to provide teachers with modern tools and resources to enhance classroom instruction.

These include the distribution of Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, free mobile data, and lapel microphones to support technology-enabled teaching and improve learning delivery.

The President also addressed the country’s long-standing classroom shortage, saying the government has intensified efforts to accelerate school construction.

He said the Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and local government units (LGUs) as “force multipliers” to increase the annual construction of classrooms and help ease congestion in public schools.

Marcos said these initiatives are part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve teachers’ working conditions, strengthen the education workforce, and provide Filipino learners with better-equipped schools and learning environments.