The Department of Education (DepEd) has promoted 16,025 public school teachers nationwide under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the welfare of educators.

In a statement on Wednesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said many teachers have long been eligible for promotion but have faced delays in career advancement.

“Teachers should experience career growth while still in service. As the President has emphasized, no teacher should retire as a Teacher I,” Angara said.

Besides the recently-promoted educators, 41,183 more teachers are now queued for promotion, with processes and transmittals secured before the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Of these, 29,017 teachers are expected to move up by one or two salary grades, while 18,007 are set to receive the maximum three-salary-grade leap.

Among those receiving three-step promotions are 3,171 teachers moving from Teacher I to Teacher IV; 3,374 from Teacher II to Teacher V; and 11,462 from Teacher III to Teacher VI.

In addition, 16,883 Teacher I will be promoted to Teacher III.

The agency said it will also prioritize the promotion and reclassification of Teacher I who are nearing their retirement.

The National Educators Academy of the Philippines, meanwhile, will continue training and leadership preparation programs to sustain career progression among public school teachers. (PNA)