2,649 Davao Region teachers promoted under DepEd's career progression program

More than 2,600 educators in the Davao Region formally advanced in their careers after taking their oath under the government’s teacher promotion initiative, as the Department of Education (DepEd) pushes forward reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s education workforce.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the ceremonial oath-taking of 2,649 educators under the Expanded Career Progression Program (ECP) on March 6 at Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School in Davao de Oro.

The ceremony marked the educators’ promotion to higher teaching and leadership ranks within the basic education system.

“Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, katuwang ang Kongreso, kinikilala natin ang sakripisyo at walang sawang dedikasyon ng ating mga guro at school heads sa pagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon sa ating bansa—kaya’t prayoridad natin ang pagpapatupad ng Expanded Career Progression sa ating bansa,” Angara said.

“We must ensure that the very foundation of education remains strong—and one way to do that is by further reinforcing and empowering the workforce of the basic education system,” he added.

Promotions across the Davao Region

DepEd said the 2,649 promoted educators came from various divisions across the region:

456 from Davao Oriental

391 from Davao del Norte

358 from Panabo City

344 from Davao de Oro

283 from Island Garden City of Samal

237 from Mati City

195 from Digos City

172 from Davao City

123 from Davao del Sur

69 from Tagum City

21 from Davao Occidental

The oath-taking is part of the department’s broader target to promote 100,000 teachers within the year, a key component of DepEd’s reform agenda aimed at improving professional development and retention among educators.

New DepEd office inaugurated

Following the ceremony, Angara also led the blessing of the new Schools Division Office building in Davao de Oro, which DepEd said will improve working conditions for personnel in the province.

The facility will serve 7,615 teaching personnel and 739 non-teaching staff, supporting 204,682 learners across 456 schools.

Angara said the development highlights strong collaboration between DepEd and local officials in the region.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo dahil malinaw nating nakikita ang matibay na suporta ng ating mga education champions dito sa Davao Region, at patuloy na nagkakaisa at nagtutulungan ang ating field offices at local government units upang matiyak na mabibigyan ng sapat at makabuluhang suporta ang ating mga guro at mag-aaral,” he said.

Among those present at the event were Marica Carmen Zamora-Mabanglo, representative of the 1st District of Davao de Oro, Governor Raul Mabanglo, and 2nd District Representative Leonel Ceniza.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News