Caraga educators advance under Expanded Career Progression Program
SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines — A total of 1,559 public school teachers and school heads from the Caraga Region (Region XIII) officially took their oaths under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) Program on May 24, during a ceremony at the Agusan Valley Convention Center.
The event, witnessed by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., marked a significant milestone in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive ensuring that no teacher retires at the entry-level rank of Teacher I.
The initiative recognizes the dedication and service of educators across the region while providing opportunities for career advancement before retirement.
READ: Over 32,000 new teaching positions approved for school year 2026-27
Among those promoted were 23 of the region’s longest-serving teachers, with the most senior having dedicated 39 years to public education. Additionally, 91 teachers aged 55 to 64 from Teacher I positions received career progression, ensuring recognition for those approaching retirement.
The expanded program forms part of broader efforts by the Administration to strengthen the education sector. In 2026, the government created 32,916 new teaching positions and hired Administrative Officers and Project Development Officers to reduce non-teaching workloads for educators.
READ: Marcos vows to accelerate teacher promotions to keep them in classrooms
The government also increased vacation service credits for public school teachers from 15 to 30 days and began releasing the full P10,000 teaching allowance for School Year 2025–2026. Coverage of the Special Hardship Allowance (SHA) was expanded to include teachers and DepEd personnel assigned to remote areas.
The ceremony also included the turnover of Php62.8 million in financial assistance from the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF), distributing P200,000 to each of the 314 barangays in Agusan del Sur to support local development projects and community initiatives.
The Expanded Career Progression Program and accompanying welfare measures underscore the government’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of teachers while enhancing their professional growth, motivation, and overall welfare. /cb
