President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the oath-taking of 2,915 newly promoted public school teachers and school leaders from Metro Manila on Friday, highlighting a policy shift designed to end decades of stagnant career growth in the education sector.

During the ceremony at the Makati Coliseum, Marcos told educators that the mass promotions reflect the government’s recognition of their role in nation-building.

“As you take your oath today, you are renewing the promise that you have made to our children and to our nation,” Marcos said. “I believe that our fight to build a better government begins through education and through the people who mold the minds of our youth.”

The promotions are anchored on Republic Act 12288, or the Career Progression for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act of 2025. The landmark law establishes a competency-based system with parallel tracks for classroom teaching and school administration, ensuring that expert teachers can receive higher salaries and benefits without having to leave the classroom for administrative roles.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who administered the oath, said the government aims to promote at least 100,000 teachers nationwide this year.

He cited that the new “Expanded Career Progression” system addresses the long-standing issue of teachers remaining in the same rank for more than a decade due to a lack of vacant positions.

Of the National Capital Region personnel promoted, 2,186 advanced through natural vacancies, while 729 were promoted through “position reclassification.” This dual-track approach allows qualified educators to move up based on merit and performance standards even if a specific “plantilla” or permanent slot is not open.

The promotions covered positions ranging from Teacher III to VII, Master Teacher II to V, and Principal II to IV. Angara clarified that while a master’s degree remains a Civil Service Commission requirement for certain levels, long-serving teachers will still see advancement opportunities under the new reforms.

Eloisa Cruz, a Grade 8 teacher at Eusebio National High School in Pasig who was promoted from Teacher I to Teacher III, expressed relief at the news. “I should have studied to level up, but since I was given a chance, it’s a very big opportunity for me,” she said.