Camarines Sur Representatives Migz and Luigi Villafuerte are calling on Congress to increase the Department of Education’s (DepEd) funding for its Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System to ₱12 billion in 2027, citing the promotion of more than 5,000 teachers and school heads in their province this year.
The lawmakers made the appeal in separate social media posts after a mass oath-taking ceremony for newly promoted education personnel held at the Freedom Sports Complex in Pili and led by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.
The event was also attended by their father, Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte, and DepEd Bicol Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad.
Migz, who represents the province’s 5th District, credited the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Angara for the implementation of the career progression initiative.
“Maraming Salamat, President Bong Bong Marcos, sa Expanded Career Progression Program! 5,354 na guro at school heads sa Camsur division ang official na na-promote under Education Secretary Sonny Angara,” Rep. Migz wrote.
He noted that ₱6 billion had been allocated for the program in the 2026 national budget and said he would push for the amount to be doubled the following year.
“Proud din kami na sa House of Representatives, ₱6 billion po ang nilaan na pondo para dito for the year 2026. Asahan po ninyo na isa ako sa mga magsusulong para madoble po ito sa 2027 para dumoble rin ang mga ma-promote pa sa DepEd,” he added.
Luigi, the representative of Camarines Sur’s 2nd District, described the occasion as “a milestone for CamSur,” recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of teachers and school heads.
He also thanked Angara for expanding professional opportunities under the ECP, which allows education workers to advance their careers and gain recognition for their qualifications and contributions.
Governor Villafuerte, meanwhile, thanked Marcos and Angara for their efforts, noting that more than 82,000 teachers nationwide had already received promotions.
“Ang investment sa teacher ay investment sa kinabukasan ng bawat batang Bicolano,” the governor said.
The ECP was established through Executive Order 174 in 2022 and was later institutionalized under Republic Act 12288, or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act.
The system provides teachers and school leaders with opportunities to move up in rank and salary without having to wait for higher plantilla positions to become available.
Under the law, educators may pursue separate career tracks in teaching or school administration, depending on their professional goals.
Promotions under the ECP are not automatically granted based solely on years of service, as candidates must meet standards involving merit, competence, qualifications, fitness and professional performance.