The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday rolled out its Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, a reform aimed at giving teachers more avenues for promotion without being restricted by plantilla vacancies. The initiative also ensures that all promotions will continue to be strictly based on merit and performance.
The program, part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s broader education agenda, addresses a long-standing grievance among public school teachers that their career advancement depended largely on available positions rather than individual capability.
“Ang malinaw na mensahe ng ECP: kung handa ka, may pagkakataon kang umangat. Hindi mo kailangang maghintay na may mabakanteng posisyon bago kilalanin ang iyong husay at sipag,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara explained.
He continued, “Teachers can progress once they meet the standards, rather than be held back by structural limits.”
DepEd said that ₱6 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 budget to fund approximately 113,000 promotions for teachers and school heads, with priority consideration for retiring Teacher I employees.