THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management has approved the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools nationwide for the upcoming School Year 2025–2026.

This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s education system and ensure sufficient teaching manpower across learning institutions.

According to the DBM, these newly approved positions represent the first tranche of the 20,000 teaching posts targeted for creation this year.

“This move aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen our country’s education system,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“It also supports the Department of Education’s efforts to expand the teaching workforce across Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and the Alternative Learning System,” she added.

Of the 16,000 positions approved, 15,343 will be for Teacher I posts with Salary Grade 11; 157 for Special Science Teachers with Salary Grade 13; and 500 for Special Education Teachers with Salary Grade 14.

To provide greater flexibility in addressing local staffing needs, Senior High School positions will be created at the division level, empowering School Division Superintendents to assign teachers where they are most needed.

This policy, originally approved by the DBM in 2016, aims to prevent redundancy and promote efficient deployment.

“The DBM supports the government’s prioritization of the welfare of our teachers,” Pangandaman added.

“We want to ensure that every child has a teacher who will focus on and be ready to help them in their studies. We are serious about improving the quality of education in the country,” she explained.

The funding requirement of PHP 4.194 billion for these positions will come from DepEd’s existing appropriations under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, specifically designated for hiring new personnel.

Due to the election period restrictions in 2025, the release of appointments and issuance of Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action (NOSCAs) will take effect only after the election ban, which runs from March 28 to May 11, 2025.

The DBM said its regional offices will closely coordinate with DepEd to ensure the timely release of NOSCAs and funds, which will apply only to positions that have been successfully filled.

For the current School Year 2024–2025, over 27.012 million students are enrolled in elementary and high schools nationwide, including those from public and private schools and the Alternative Learning System.