Teacher promoted 4 months before retirement

MANILA, Philippines — In line with the commitment of President Marcos that no teacher will retire as Teacher 1, a teacher from Pasig City was promoted two ranks higher five months before her retirement in June 2026.

Teacher Eloisa Reyes Cruz, who will turn 65 in June, is among the 2,915 newly promoted teachers and school leaders in Metro Manila who recently took oath in Makati City.

In an interview, Cruz said it took 10 years for her to be promoted from Teacher 1 to Teacher 3 at Eusebio High School in Pasig City, where she is currently teaching Math in Grade 8.

“The process is fast,” Cruz said, referring to her application under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Cruz said as a Teacher 1, she received around P26,000 per month, while as Teacher 3, her salary increased to at least P34,000.

“That (increase) is around P8,000. I am really very thankful that I will be able to get higher retirement (benefits) with my promotion,” Cruz said.

She encouraged teachers to teach in public schools amid the better benefits offered by the DepEd.

“It’s nice now that there is a program like this. The morale of the teachers will be boosted,” Cruz said.

Marcos, who witnessed the oathtaking of the 2,915 newly promoted teachers and school leaders, highlighted the administration’s push to fast-track the career progression in the education sector.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara administered the oath, with Marcos witnessing the pledge of service, alongside Makati Mayor Nancy Binay and senior officials of the DepEd.