Marcos reports 80K promotions in SONA; ACT cites persistent workload, classroom gaps

Chrislyne Faith Castillo

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted teacher promotions and the expansion of the public school workforce among his administration’s education accomplishments during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In his speech, Marcos said more than 80,000 educators and school heads have moved up in rank while over 30,000 teaching positions have been created. 

“Pinangako ko noong nakalipas na SONA na walang magreretirong guro na Teacher I. Ngayon, mahigit 80,000 guro at school head sa pampublikong paaralan ang na-promote gawa ng ating Expanded Career Progression,” Marcos said.

Marcos also said schools have been equipped with smart TVs, laptops, tablets, free mobile data, and lapel microphones, while additional classrooms will be built through partnerships involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), local government units (LGUs), and the private sector.

Despite the reported gains, teacher organizations said many educators continue to face persistent challenges, including heavy workloads, limited promotion opportunities, inadequate compensation, and shortages in classrooms and teaching personnel.

Teachers cite unresolved concerns

The group Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said teachers continue to shoulder responsibilities beyond classroom instruction while structural issues in the education sector remain unresolved. 

“Teachers remain overworked, underpaid, and, in many cases, still unpaid for work they have already rendered,” ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo said in a statement.

The organization said the Expanded Career Progression program has yet to provide wider promotion opportunities, arguing that funding constraints and limited plantilla items continue to hinder its implementation. 

ACT also cited findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which estimated that the country still lacks more than 165,000 classrooms, even as the administration announced plans to initially construct more than 16,000 classrooms through public-private partnerships.

In Zamboanga del Sur, ACT Region 9 members staged protests during the President’s SONA to call for a ₱50,000 basic monthly salary, increased education funding, improved benefits, and stronger protection of teachers’ rights.

“Our action today is meant to show the President and the government the real situation of teachers — that our salaries are insufficient and our rights are under threat,” ACT Region 9 President Liza Idiang said.