Over 93,000 public school employees across the country are slated to receive salary increases after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released ₱8.68 billion to support expanded professional pathways for educators, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed on Friday, September 4.
According to DepEd, the allocation will fund the salary differentials of 93,344 eligible educators and school heads holding reclassified roles under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that the fund distribution aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to give educators wider avenues for professional advancement alongside fair financial returns.
“We welcome this release and look forward to seeing its benefits reach our teachers in the soonest possible time,” Angara said.
“Our teachers have worked hard for their professional growth, and it is important that the recognition and compensation that come with their career advancement are felt by them as soon as possible,” he added.
Angara pointed out that DepEd intends to give educators the confidence to build a sustainable, long-term career while continuing to teach in the classroom.
The ECP System was established to offer public school educators broader pathways for career progression without forcing them to vacate their teaching tracks.
“The ₱8.68 billion funding will cover the requirements for personnel with issued Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action (NOSCA) and appointments,” DepEd noted.
DepEd stated that it is actively collaborating with its regional arms and corresponding DBM units to guarantee the rapid disbursement of funds and execution of pay adjustments.
Looking ahead to 2027, the department is requesting ₱12.09 billion under the National Expenditure Program to scale up the ECP System. DepEd explained that the proposed budget seeks to broaden access to career progression and higher pay for educators and academic personnel nationwide.
The target 2027 budget reflects a ₱5.94-billion bump—or a 96.6% increase—over the funding allocated for ECP in fiscal year 2026.
“[T]he expanded funding will help sustain the rollout of career pathways that allow more teachers to advance professionally and receive appropriate compensation,” the agency stated.
Angara emphasized that investing continuously in educators’ professional growth will yield long-term gains for the broader educational system and enhance student outcomes.
“Kapag inalagaan natin ang career ng ating mga guro, mas napapalakas natin ang ating mga paaralan at mas maganda ang kinabukasang maibibigay natin sa ating mga learners,” Angara said.