HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12288, or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act.

Acidre said the IRR brings the government closer to establishing a clearer and more sustainable career path for public school teachers and school leaders.

Under RA 12288, educators can advance based on merit, competence, qualifications, fitness, and professional standards without having to leave classroom teaching to move up in their careers.

The law expands the teaching career path up to Master Teacher VI, while the school administration track extends to School Principal V.

Acidre said the reform builds on Executive Order No. 174, issued in 2022, which established the Expanded Career Progression System and created separate pathways for classroom teaching and school administration.

Tingog helped advance the reform in Congress through House Bill No. 10270, principally authored by Acidre and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.

The measure was later consolidated with Senate Bill No. 3000 and became RA 12288, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law on Sept. 12, 2025.

With the issuance of the IRR, Acidre said the next challenge is to ensure that teachers and school leaders can access and benefit from the new career system.

The implementing rules cover promotion and reclassification, transition arrangements for incumbent personnel, professional development, and the responsibilities of government agencies in implementing the law.

Acidre also welcomed the release of an additional P8.68 billion to the Department of Education for the continued implementation of the Expanded Career Progression System.

The funding will cover salary differentials for 93,344 public school personnel whose positions have been reclassified under the system, including requirements for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Meanwhile, the government has proposed P12.09 billion for the ECP System under the 2027 national budget.

The proposed allocation is intended to support 135,063 position reclassifications, further expanding opportunities for qualified teachers and school leaders to advance in their careers with corresponding improvements in compensation.

Acidre said the continued implementation of RA 12288 is particularly significant during National Teachers’ Month, as the government recognizes teachers not only for their service but also for their professional growth and long-term career development.