PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the mass oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted teachers and school heads from the Bulacan and Pampanga cluster under the Expanded Career Progression System.

The President said he personally attended the ceremony to highlight the significance of the milestone for teachers who have long awaited opportunities for career advancement.

“I have always believed that the true measure of a nation’s progress is the kind of future that we prepare for our youth. Policies and programs set the direction, but it is through you—our teachers—that these aspirations take root and grow,” Marcos said in his speech.

The President paid tribute to the sacrifices of teachers, citing their early mornings, long commutes, extended hours checking papers and preparing lessons, and added responsibilities during elections, census activities, and community service.

He acknowledged that many educators had previously lost hope of promotion due to heavy workloads and limited plantilla positions.

“Kaya, gumagawa tayo ng mga hakbang upang marami pang guro ang tumaas ang posisyon, at kagaya ng aking ipinangako, walang sinuman na teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I,” the Chief Executive said.