President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. honored the country’s public school teachers with a ₱1,000 incentive as a token of gratitude and recognition for their dedication and sacrifices in shaping the nation’s future.
“Today on World Teachers’ Day, we provide a 1,000 peso incentive for every public school teacher. A little reminder that we recognize your efforts and your sacrifices, and they have not gone unrecognized,” Marcos said in his speech during the 2025 National Teachers’ Day celebration held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, October 6.
Beyond financial incentives, Marcos said the government has partnered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to launch the e-Learning Academy on Personal Finance and Economics, designed to enhance teachers’ financial literacy.
“Beyond allowances, we have also partnered with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to launch the e-Learning Academy on Personal Finance and Economics, empowering teachers to become financially literate citizens,” he said.
The President also announced that the government has successfully reduced teachers’ paperwork by 57%, allowing them to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks.
“We have also reduced the paperwork of our teachers by 57%, from dozens of forms, only five remain that teachers must regularly accomplish, so you can focus less on bureaucracy and more on what you do best — teaching,” Marcos added.
He also highlighted the implementation of Republic Act No. 12288, or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, which aims to create more opportunities for career advancement among educators.
“Through Republic Act No. 12288… we opened wider and clearer pathways for our teachers. Ibig sabihin nito, wala nang public school teacher na magre-retire na ‘teacher one.’ Hindi na natin papayagan na mangyari ulit ‘yon,” the President assured.
He continued, “This is about recognizing the years of service that you have given and ensuring that your journey as an educator is filled with dignity, with respect, and with growth.”
Marcos further announced that ₱26.55 billion from the realigned flood control funds will be allocated to the Department of Education (DepEd) to support classroom construction, nutrition programs, teacher compensation, and educational technology upgrades.
“This administration is also preparing and investing for the long term. We have allocated 26.55 billion pesos for DepEd programs, from the funds of the flood control projects, which we have deemed not viable. These funds will be directed to increase funding for classrooms, child nutrition, teacher compensation, and technology in schools,” Marcos said.
The President reaffirmed that education remains the government’s best investment for the nation’s future.
In closing, Marcos underscored that the true success of education lies not only in intelligence but also in integrity and moral strength.
“Sa ating mga guro, ang tunay na tagumpay ng edukasyon ay hindi lamang sa talino ng ating kabataan, kundi pati sa kanilang kabutihan at panindigan. Dahil ang katalinuhan na walang integridad ay walang saysay, ngunit ang kabutihan at karunungan, ‘yan ang magtataguyod ng ating bagong Pilipinas,” he concluded.