Marcos: Over 30,000 teaching posts created, 80,000 educators promoted

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced on Monday during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that more than 80,000 teachers and school heads in public schools have been promoted, and over 30,000 new teaching positions have been created. He recalled his promise from last year's SONA that no public school teacher would retire under the Teacher I rank. "Ngayon, mahigit 80,000 guro at School Heads sa pampublikong paaralan ang na-promote gawa ng ating Expanded Career Progression. Nagkaroon na rin ng mahigit 30,000 karagdagang posisyon para lumakas ang puwersa ng mga guro," Marcos said, which translates to "Now, more than 80,000 teachers and school heads in public schools have been promoted through our Expanded Career Progression. We have also created more than 30,000 additional positions to strengthen the teaching workforce." The government has also provided teachers with instructional tools and equipment, including Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, free mobile data, and lapel microphones. To address the classroom shortage, the administration is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and local government units to build more classrooms. Furthermore, the private sector will construct its initial share of over 16,000 classrooms in Luzon through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Additional PPPs with higher production targets are expected to follow for the Visayas and Mindanao regions. —VBL, GMA News