More than 4,000 newly promoted and newly hired teachers and school heads in the Cagayan Valley region took their oath under the Department of Education’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System at the Santiago Sports Arena in Santiago City, Isabela, on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

A total of 4,125 teaching, school leadership, and non-teaching personnel were formally recognized during the ceremony, which was held as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the education workforce in the Region II. .

Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the oath-taking ceremony, which was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The ceremony highlighted the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, which provides teachers and school heads with more opportunities for career advancement.

Under the ECP, teaching positions include Teachers I to VII, Master Teachers I to IV, and Principals I to IV. The program also includes 1,197 newly created non-teaching positions in Region II to strengthen instructional and administrative support in schools.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized the importance of providing educators with opportunities for promotion so that they would not remain in entry-level positions throughout their careers.

He said more than 82,000 teachers and school heads nationwide had been promoted as of September, including the 4,125 personnel recognized in Region II.

“Binawasan natin ang administrative work at pinabuti ang benepisyo ng ating guro,” Marcos said.

Marcos also thanked teachers and school heads for their contributions to the country’s education system, citing the Philippines’ performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to keep schools safe from bullying, abuse, and other risks.

Among these initiatives is the planned rollout of the Kaagapay program at Patol Elementary School, which aims to assist parents and educators in protecting students.

“Kasabay ng pagpapahusay natin sa kalidad ng edukasyon, mahalaga na matiyak na ligtas ang ating mga paaralan. Nakakabahala, at nakakalungkot ang mga nangyayari sa seguridad sa mga paaralan sa ating bansa,” Marcos said.

“Kaya patuloy tayong nakikipagtulungan sa mga guro, magulang at komunidad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga kabataan,” he added.

Marcos assured teachers that the administration would continue supporting their professional growth and welfare.

“Sa ating mga teacher, mahalaga ang tulong ninyo upang matugunan natin ang hamong ito. Hindi lamang kayo nagtuturo ng aralin; kayo ang gumagabay, nag-aalaga at tumutulong humubog sa kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” the President noted.

”Kaya asahan ninyong patuloy kayong susuportahan ng administrasyon na ito,” he said.