EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara honored teachers and reaffirmed the department’s push to raise the quality of Philippine education as School Year 2025-2026 ended.
In his message, Angara said that the dedication of teachers is crucial to the country’s efforts to strengthen the education system.
“To our beloved teachers across the country, I want to greet and thank you for your resilience, care, and silent heroism in our classrooms,” Angara said.
Over the past few months, the executive team of the Department of Education has visited hundreds of schools, meeting teachers and school heads to share their concerns and suggestions on improving the education system.
The visits and consultations with teachers led to updates in policies on classroom observations, overtime and overload pay, and efforts to ease administrative workload, among others.
“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., it is clear in our promise to improve the lives of our teachers and increase our support to you,” Angara noted.
He said that the department has intensified support for educators, including the distribution of laptops and learning resources and the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression System, which aims to provide clearer promotion pathways for teachers and school heads.
It also aims to promote up to 100,000 teachers and school heads by the end of School Year 2025-2026.
Angara urged educators to take time to rest after months of academic work and end-of-school-year activities.
“The future of Philippine education is being shaped every day in your classrooms. This administration will continue working so that every Filipino teacher can teach with dignity, support and hope. Together, we will move our schools — and our nation — forward,” he said.
Angara, meanwhile, challenged graduates to maintain their spirit of resilience as they transition out of the basic education system, reminding them that their ability to overcome setbacks will be their most critical asset in the face of future trials.
“You stayed the course and learned to rise after setbacks. That resilience will matter far beyond the classroom,” he said.
He also thanked parents and teachers for helping students.
“Behind every learner’s success stands a community. To our teachers, thank you for teaching not only lessons but also courage. To our parents and families, your support made every achievement possible,” Angara said.
More than 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners are graduating this school year, both from public and private schools.
