MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has assured the public on Wednesday, March 18, that the entry-level retirement era for public school educators is over, thanks to a newly enacted career progression law. This statement comes as the Department of Education (DepEd) prepares to promote approximately 100,000 public school teachers and school heads this year.
Gatchalian noted that these promotions align with Republic Act No. 12288, also known as the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act. The legislation significantly broadens the professional landscape for those in teaching and school administration. Specifically, the law introduces several new positions: Teacher IV through VII, Master Teacher V and VI, and School Principal V, creating more substantial opportunities for growth within the system.
“Ngayong mas marami nang oportunidad para sa pag-angat ng karera ng ating mga guro, mas matutulungan natin silang umunlad at magtagumpay sa kanilang propesyon (Now that there are more opportunities for career advancement for our teachers, we can better help them grow and succeed in their profession),” Gatchalian said.
He emphasized the weight of the teaching profession, adding, “Mahalagang itaguyod natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga guro lalo na’t sila ang may pinakamahalagang papel sa edukasyon ng ating mga kabataan (It is important that we uphold the welfare of our teachers, especially since they play the most vital role in educating our youth).”
The senator, who served as the principal sponsor and co-author of the bill, further explained that the law mandates the DepEd to formulate clear and transparent promotion criteria. He believes institutionalizing this system will secure long-term professional development for educators.| (PNA)
