BALER, Aurora — A total of 264 public school teachers and school heads in Aurora formally advanced to higher ranks under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System during a mass oath-taking ceremony led by Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on June 30 at the Senator Edgardo J. Angara Convention Center in Barangay Reserva, Baler.

The promotions, which provide broader career advancement opportunities for public school educators, support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the teaching profession through clearer promotion pathways and expanded professional development.

The ceremony was attended by Aurora Governor Isidro P. Galban, Aurora Representative Rommel Rico T. Angara, Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, Vice Governor Patrick Michael T. Angara, local chief executives, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), school heads, teachers, and their families.

In his keynote message, Governor Galban described the promotions as more than a reward for years of service, saying they represent a greater responsibility in shaping the next generation of Filipinos.

“Every promotion is not merely an advancement in rank—it is an affirmation of trust. It is our nation’s way of saying that we believe you are now capable of carrying an even greater responsibility in shaping the future of our children,” Galban said.

The governor emphasized that teachers are at the heart of nation-building, noting that every professional and public servant begins with a teacher who nurtured their knowledge, discipline, and values.

He also expressed the Provincial Government of Aurora’s full support for Education Secretary Angara’s Five-Point Reform Agenda, which prioritizes teacher welfare by reducing unnecessary administrative workloads, strengthening professional development, expanding career progression opportunities, improving school resources, and providing greater institutional support for educators.

Galban likewise highlighted Aurora’s continued partnership with DepEd, saying the provincial government remains committed to improving school facilities, supporting teachers, promoting safer learning environments, and expanding opportunities for learners through various educational initiatives.

Drawing inspiration from Aurora’s historic Millennium Tree, the governor likened teachers to the deep roots that sustain a strong society.

“Teachers are the roots of every great society. Long before a doctor saves a life, a teacher inspired that dream. Long before an engineer builds a bridge, a teacher built confidence. Long before a public servant leads a province, a teacher first taught the values of integrity, discipline, and love of country,” he said.

He assured educators that under the provincial government’s Sigla at Galak Governance and Development Agenda, investments in education will remain a priority.

“Because when our teachers rise, our learners rise. When our learners rise, Aurora rises. And when Aurora rises, the Philippines rises,” Galban added.

For his part, Congressman Rommel Rico T. Angara congratulated the newly promoted teachers and school heads, expressing gratitude for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices in educating Aurora’s learners. He thanked the educators for their continued commitment to public service and pledged his continued support for programs that strengthen the province’s education sector.

Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara also joined the ceremony and reaffirmed the support of local government units for the teaching profession. He noted that the presence of provincial and municipal officials reflected their shared commitment to improving the quality of education and empowering educators across Aurora.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara described the promotions as well-deserved recognition of the teachers’ years of dedication and service. He revealed that nearly 81,500 teachers and school heads nationwide have already benefited from the Expanded Career Progression System, calling it an unprecedented milestone in the country’s education sector.

According to Angara, the reform addresses long-standing promotion bottlenecks that previously left some educators in entry-level positions for decades despite years of dedicated service.

Among those recognized was Josephine Velasco, one of Aurora’s longest-serving teachers with four decades in the profession. She expressed gratitude to the Marcos administration for advancing policies that promote teachers’ welfare and professional growth, describing her promotion as one of the most fulfilling milestones of her career.

The Expanded Career Progression System gained legal backing following the signing of Republic Act No. 12288 in September 2025. The law established a competency-based promotion system that allows public school teachers to advance based on merit, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies rather than waiting for limited vacant positions.

With the promotion of 264 teachers and school heads, Aurora further strengthens its education workforce, providing educators with expanded opportunities for professional growth while reinforcing the province’s commitment to delivering quality basic education for future generations. (Jason de Asis)

📸: 264 Aurora Teachers, School Heads Take Oath Under Expanded Career Progression Program A milestone for education in Aurora as 264 teachers and school heads officially advanced to higher positions under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) Program. Led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the mass oath-taking recognized the dedication of educators while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the teaching profession and improving the quality of education for future generations. (Jason de Asis)