SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the enactment of the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act or Republic Act No. 12288, a landmark law aimed at expanding career opportunities in the country’s public education sector.

“Public school teachers and school leaders now have broader opportunities for growth and advancement under the Career Progression System established by law,” said Gatchalian, the principal sponsor of the measure.

The law institutionalizes a system that promotes professional development and advancement for educators and administrators. It directs the Department of Budget and Management to establish new teaching and leadership positions, including Teacher IV to Teacher VII, Master Teacher V to VI, and School Principal V.

The Department of Education will be tasked with formulating clear promotion guidelines.

Promotions will be non-hierarchical and anchored on the principles of merit, fitness, and competence, taking into account qualifications and established professional standards.

Gatchalian emphasized that the measure will not only recognize the dedication of teachers and school leaders but also ensure that their professional growth translates to improved quality of education for Filipino learners.