PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to increase funding for public school teachers' career progression under the proposed fiscal year 2027 national budget.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro said P12.09 billion has been allocated for the Expanded Career Progression System — P5.94 billion, or 96.6 percent, higher than the 2026 funding.
“This move by the president for the education sector is a testament to his serious commitment to the advancement of knowledge among Filipino children," said Castro in Filipino.
Acting DBM Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the move aims to ensure teachers' career progression, noting that a great teacher should not have to leave the classroom to advance opportunities.
“We want teaching to be a profession where our educators can build a rewarding, lifelong career,” he said.
“By investing in their career progression, we are investing in better teachers, better classrooms, and ultimately, a better future for our children,” De Leon said.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto previously said the proposed budget aims to benefit over a million public teachers.
The DBM also released P8.68 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) to upgrade the salary of 93,344 school personnel, supporting the continued implementation of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.
The raise will be the higher salary rates for employees whose job levels were upgraded under the new system.
"When our teachers grow in their profession, their pay should increase as well," said De Leon.
The fund covers the 2025 and 2026 requirements for workers with approved staffing notices and official appointments.
The money comes from DepEd's built-in 2026 personnel budget, following the approved funding plan for the project.
