PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said 82,105 teachers and school heads had been promoted under the Expanded Career Progression System as of September.

The figure includes some 4,125 newly promoted teachers and education personnel in Region II who took their oaths of office on Friday.

“And because supporting our teachers means investing in their growth, we have expanded opportunities for career advancement,” Marcos said during the National Teachers’ Day celebration at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The administration has also strengthened the non-teaching workforce and streamlined teachers’ paperwork to reduce administrative responsibilities that take them away from classroom instruction.

Marcos vowed to further improve the benefits, career opportunities, and working conditions of Filipino teachers as the administration continues its reforms to support educators and improve the quality of education.

He said education remains a priority of the administration, with the sector receiving the biggest budget in the country’s history this year.

“At hindi tayo titigil doon. Patuloy nating hahanapan ng paraan kung paano pa mapabubuti ang suporta, benepisyo, at mga oportunidad para sa ating mga guro,” the President said.