The Department of Education (DepEd) officially implemented the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system aimed at addressing the long-standing issue over promotion opportunities without limited slots among teachers.
Under DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025, the system introduces new teaching positions—Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V—and offers two distinct career tracks: Classroom Teaching and School Administration.
Through the ECP, teachers may advance via a reclassification process once they meet the required qualifications and demonstrate the necessary competencies, removing the previous requirement of waiting for a vacant position before being promoted.
The new system is anchored on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH) to ensure that promotions are based on teaching quality, leadership competence, and professional growth—not merely on credentials.
In celebration of the National Teachers Month, DepEd issued a statement on September 11 announcing the rollout of the reform.
“Ang Expanded Career Progression System ay handog ng pamahalaan upang suklian ang kanilang sipag at sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng mas malinaw na landas para sa kanilang career sa pagtuturo,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.
He added that the reform seeks to strengthen the morale and motivation among teachers, which are vital for ensuring quality education to further improve student learners.
The system will also prioritize training for teachers, while head teachers and principals will be prepared for leadership roles.
Teachers who have been retired for five years will also be given priority for reclassification.
Among the key provisions are:
Conversion of positions: Vacant head teacher and assistant principal items will be converted to Teacher I positions 90 days after the issuance of the order.
Filling of vacancies: Unfilled Teacher I–III and Master Teacher I–IV posts must be filled within a year from the release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
Incumbent options: Current head teachers and assistant principals may retain their titles or be retitled to equivalent positions without losing salary or step increments.
They will also be considered “on-stream candidates” for promotion to school principal posts.
DepEd said the ECP will undergo a three-year transition from February 25, 2025, to February 24, 2028.
