President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the welfare, career growth, and working conditions of Filipino educators.

Marcos made the remark during the mass oathtaking of more than 8,000 newly promoted teachers and school heads in Western Visayas, held in Roxas City, Capiz, on Monday, April 27. It was described as the largest gathering of its kind under the government’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

The President was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Education Secretary Sonny Angara during the ceremony, which recognized educators promoted under the new system designed to address long-standing delays in teacher advancement.

“We gathered here today to recognize and to celebrate the years you have devoted to teaching and to serving our young people. When you serve our young people, you are serving the future of our country,” Marcos said in his speech.

He emphasized that the government would continue working to ensure that teachers are properly supported and given opportunities to grow in their profession.

“Asahan ninyo, mga Ma’am at Sir, na ang inyong pamahalaan ay hindi titigil sa pagkilos upang matiyak na kayo ay naaalagaan, nabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad, at kinikilala sa inyong serbisyo,” the President said.

Marcos also underscored that teachers would not be left behind under his administration, calling them “second parents” who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s youth.

“Hindi ko hahayaan na may iwanan ang ating mga guro, ang mga nagsisilbing pangalawang magulang ng ating mga kabataan,” he said.

The President highlighted that the ECP System aims to provide clearer and faster promotion pathways, allowing educators to either advance into leadership roles or continue focusing on classroom instruction, depending on their chosen career track.

“Mas pinalawak ang inyong oportunidad sa pag-angat ng akma sa inyong kakayahan at piniling trabaho. Hindi na kailangan antayin ang tamang pagkakataon dahil ngayon ang sistema na mismo ang magbubukas ng pinto para sa inyo,“ he said.

“Just as you have guided your students to grow, this system supports you and your growth as professionals,” he said, noting that additional promotions are currently being processed.

Marcos reiterated his commitment that his administration will make sure that no teacher will retire at entry-level rank or Teacher I.

Marcos also expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and sacrifice.

“You have carried this responsibility with dedication, with patience, and with heart, going way beyond what is just expected of you. For that, from the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of the heart of every Filipino, and a grateful nation, thank you,” he added.

The President said the expanded system is part of broader efforts to improve the education sector and ensure that teachers are recognized as key builders of the nation’s future.

“This government is with you as we uplift the quality of our education system—with you, for you, and for the Filipino youth,” Marcos said.