QUEZON CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured Filipino educators on Monday, October 5, that his administration will persist in enhancing their benefits, career progression, and overall working conditions.
Speaking at the 2026 National Teachers’ Day event held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Marcos emphasized that upgrading the education sector remains a top priority for the government.
He highlighted administrative steps taken to ease the workload of educators, noting that non-teaching administrative support has been expanded alongside a streamlined paperwork process. He drew loud applause from the audience upon detailing reductions in classroom evaluations.
”We have strengthened our non-teaching workforce, streamlined teachers’ paperwork, and reduced classrooms observations from four per School Year to one in School Year 2025–2026, then two… followed by two for the succeeding school years,” Marcos said.
”And because supporting our teachers, supporting our teachers means investing in their growth, we have expanded opportunities for career advancement,” he stressed.
The President noted that government support includes enhanced allowances for teaching materials, medical needs, and financial incentives.
”Kabilang dito ang World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit na matatanggap ninyo sa tuwing ika-lima ng Oktubre,” Marcos said.
”Dagdag pa rito, mayroong Performance-Based Bonus para sa 2024. Patuloy ang pagproseso nito, at inatasan natin ang mga kinauukulang ahensya na tiyaking maayos at mapabilis ang proseso,” he added.
”At hindi tayo titigil doon. Patuloy nating hahanapan ng paraan kung papaano pa mapabubuti ang suporta, benepisyo, at mga oportunidad para sa ating mga guro,” the Chief Executive stated.
Marcos reiterated that protecting teachers’ rights and promoting their continuous professional training are key pillars of the nation’s broader push for quality education.
“Patuloy din natin gagampanan ang tungkuling pangalagaan ang mga karapatan, kapakanan, at patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating mga guro,” Marcos promised.
Beyond policy updates, the President urged teachers to keep molding young citizens who are “discerning in thought, principled in action, and mindful of the common good,” acknowledging that educators lie at the core of national progress.
“Every classroom carries within it the promise of our country’s future. It is where young minds learn to question, discover, and dream of what they may one day achieve,” he said.
“At the heart of this noble mission are our educators, whose task is to unleash our people’s potential and guide them towards greater possibilities in life,” the President added.
In closing, Marcos expressed deep appreciation for the daily sacrifices made by teachers and vowed that the government will work alongside them to navigate evolving educational challenges.
“On this occasion, we recognize the sacrifices that accompany this profession and reaffirm our shared responsibility to cherish and uplift those who share our lives,” Marcos said.
“Rest assured, this government stands with our educators and nurtures a Bagong Pilipinas where every teacher is given the power to become a source of hope and strength for our children and nation,” he concluded.