An additional 113 teachers of the Schools Division Office (SDO)-Negros Occidental pledged their continuing commitment to their profession after they were reclassified and promoted under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine Sales administered the oath of the newly promoted educators, who were reclassified into Teacher IV and Teacher III, in a ceremony held at the division office here Monday.

In her message, Sales emphasized that “teaching is a mission to the community” as she thanked Education Secretary Sonny Angara and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for advancing the ECP initiative to provide teachers with greater opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

“We want to focus more on the senior teachers. We want them to be promoted before they retire,” she added.

Sales said that career advancement comes with greater responsibility to serve learners, schools and communities with commitment, integrity and compassion.

Under the SDO-Negros Occidental, an initial batch of 327 teachers has been approved for reclassification and promotion under the ECP System.

The first group of Negrense 100 public school teachers renewed their commitment to service during their oathtaking on July 27. The remaining 114 promoted teachers will be scheduled for oathtaking soon.

The ECP System for Teachers and School Heads is implemented pursuant to Executive Order 174, series of 2022, which establishes the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers, along with its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The ECP aims to strengthen professional development and provide clearer pathways for career advancement among teachers and school heads, anchored on established qualifications and professional standards. (PNA)