President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is expediting the processing of the 2024 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for teachers and education personnel while easing teachers’ administrative workload.

Speaking at the 2026 National Teachers’ Day celebration at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Monday, President Marcos said he directed concerned agencies to ensure the proper and expedited processing of the 2024 PBB.

“Patuloy ang pagproseso nito (2024 PBB), at inatasan natin ang mga kinauukulang ahensya na tiyaking maayos at mapabilis ang proseso,” President Marcos said.

The President also highlighted measures to give teachers more time to focus on teaching by streamlining paperwork, strengthening the non-teaching workforce, and reducing classroom observations.

Classroom observations were reduced from four per school year to one in School Year 2025-2026, with two observations set for succeeding school years.

“We have strengthened our non-teaching workforce, streamlined teachers’ paperwork, and reduced classroom observations,” President Marcos said.

The President is also improving teachers’ benefits and incentives, including teaching and medical allowances, and the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit.

President Marcos said the administration will continue to improve support, benefits, and career opportunities for teachers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday joined the nation in celebrating National Teachers’ Day, paying tribute to educators for their sacrifices and the vital role they play in shaping the country’s future.

In his message, President Marcos said teachers are at the heart of every classroom, guiding young Filipinos as they learn, discover their potential, and pursue their dreams.

“Every classroom carries within it the promise of our country’s future. It is where young minds learn to question, discover, and dream of what they may one day achieve,” President Marcos said.

“At the heart of this noble mission are our educators, whose task is to unleash our people’s potential and guide them towards greater possibilities in life,” the President added.

President Marcos said teachers’ influence goes beyond the lessons they impart, noting that by helping children realize their potential, educators also help shape the kind of society the country can build.

The President also recognized the sacrifices that come with the teaching profession and called for continued efforts to create an environment where educators can teach with purpose and learners can pursue knowledge with confidence and optimism.

“On this occasion, we recognize the sacrifices that accompany this profession and reaffirm our shared responsibility to cherish and uplift those who share our lives,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos urged teachers to continue molding Filipinos who are “discerning in thought, principled in action, and mindful of the common good.”

President Marcos assured educators that his administration stands with them in addressing the changing demands of education and preparing schools for the challenges facing the next generation.

“Rest assured, this government stands with our educators and nurtures a Bagong Pilipinas where every teacher is given the power to become a source of hope and strength for our children and nation,” the President said.

“To all our teachers, may the lives you touch remain your greatest legacy to the Filipino people.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday graced the mass oath-taking ceremony of 4,125 newly promoted and newly hired education personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Cagayan Valley as the government continues to expand career advancement opportunities in the public education sector.

During the ceremony at the Santiago City Sports Arena in Barangay Baluarte, President Marcos said the promotions form part of the administration’s efforts to ensure that teachers are properly recognized for their service and given opportunities to advance professionally.

The President also expressed his gratitude to teachers for their dedication and sacrifices, particularly the time and effort they devote to educating and guiding Filipino children.

President Marcos said the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System was established to address the long-standing problem of teachers spending many years in the same position before qualifying for promotion.

“Kaya nangako ako sa ating mga guro: hindi na tayo papayag na mayroong guro na magre-retire bilang Teacher I,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that under the previous system, a Teacher I could wait 10 to 20 years before reaching Teacher III, while advancement from Teacher III to Master Teacher I could take just as long.

“Hindi tama na ibinibigay ninyo ang napakalaking bahagi ng inyong buhay sa pagtuturo, tapos hindi kayo umuunlad sa inyong propesyon,” the President added.

President Marcos said the ECP System is opening more opportunities for teachers and school heads to move up the career ladder while continuing to serve in their chosen fields.

Based on the government’s latest figures as of September, a total of 82,105 teachers and school heads nationwide have already been promoted under the administration’s career progression initiatives.

The President said more than 4,000 teachers and other education personnel who took their oath in Region 2 on Friday are now assuming new positions as part of the program’s continued implementation.

DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara Jr. administered the mass oath-taking ceremony.

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy, who hails from Isabela, Santiago City Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan and other national and local government officials also joined the President during the event.

President Marcos also cited government measures to reduce teachers’ administrative workload and improve their benefits, allowing educators to devote more time and attention to teaching and their students.

The President emphasized that the work of teachers extends far beyond delivering lessons in the classroom, recognizing their sacrifices in guiding students and helping prepare them for the future.

“Hindi lamang kayo nagtuturo ng aralin, kayo ay gumagabay, nag-aalaga, at tumutulong humubog sa kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also underscored the importance of cooperation among teachers, parents and communities in keeping schools and children safe amid security concerns and other risks confronting learners.

The President assured educators that the government would continue supporting their professional growth and their efforts to improve the quality of Philippine education.

“Kaya asahan ninyong patuloy kayong susuportahan ng Administrasyong ito,” President Marcos said.

As the country observes National Teachers’ Month, President Marcos thanked teachers and school principals for their sacrifices, patience, and invaluable contribution to educating generations of Filipinos.

The President congratulated the newly promoted teachers and school heads on reaching an important professional milestone and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing educators with greater opportunities for career advancement. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday thanked the parents of an elementary school in Santiago City, Isabela, citing their valuable contributions to the education system of the Philippines.

“Ating mga magulang, kayo ay napakahalaga para pagandahin ang education system natin dito sa Pilipinas. Alam naman natin ang dinadaanan ng bawat magulang, mga sakripisyo, ‘yung mga ginagawa, pagtulong para sa mga anak ninyo para maging maganda ang kanilang pag-aaral,” President Marcos said in his remarks during a visit to Patul Elementary School in Santiago City.

“Kailangan namin ng tulong ng mga magulang. Kailangan namin ng tulong ng ating mga teacher. Kailangan natin ng tulong ng pamahalaan,” the President added.

At the same time, President Marcos recognized Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara for implementing various DepEd programs.

The President said the national and local governments must work together to look after schoolchildren.

“Bantayan natin na tiyakin na ang mga bata, ang mga anak natin ay makapag-aral na mabuti at sila ay ligtas at walang masamang pangyayari, ating makikita muli,” President Marcos noted.

“Kaya’t maraming salamat sa inyong pagsasama sa ating mga programa at kayo po ang aming inaasahan na laging nandyan para bantayan ang ating mga kabataan, para tulungan ang ating mga kabataan para maging maganda ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas dahil naging maganda ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” the Chief Executive said.

The President emphasized that, “At kaya pinagsasama-sama po namin at hindi lang namin tinitingnan ang mga nangyayari sa classroom ngunit pati na ang kalusugan ng ating mga kabataan. Kaya mayroon tayong feeding program, mayroon tayong special para doon sa mga masyadong payat o masyadong maliit ay binibigyan natin ng—tinitiyak natin na nakakatanggap sila ng kanilang mga pangangailangan para sa pagkain.”

President Marcos visited the Patul Elementary School in Santiago City to inspect the implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) modality under the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), and promote learner well-being during the school visit in Santiago City, Isabela.

The Chief Executive likewise mentioned during his visit the PhilHealth YAKAP program (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), an enhanced primary care initiative by the Philippine government that replaces the old Konsulta program to prioritize preventive health, early disease detection, and free outpatient services, which could be availed of not only by schoolchildren, but also by teachers.

“Mayroon din tayong YAKAP Program na sinasama natin para ‘yung nagpapatingin, hindi lang ang estudyante – pati teacher, pati magulang pinapatingnan natin para nga makatiyak kayo lahat ay ligtas para maging maayos, na matulungan natin ang ating mga minamahal na ating mga anak na para sila ay makapag-aaral nang mabuti,” President Marcos said.

On the other hand, President Marcos was saddened by the recent violent incidents that happened in schools.

“Ngayon po ay nakakalungkot na mayroon tayong nakikita na mga pangyayari sa ilang eskwelahan. Nangyari po ito. Tiyak ako na nabalitaan na ninyo ang nangyari sa Tacloban, sa South Cotabato, at sa Zamboanga. Ito po ay kailangan po nating bantayan nang mabuti,” said President Marcos.

“Kailangan bantayan para ang ating mga kabataan ay hindi nadadala sa ganyang klaseng mga ginagawa na nananakit ng kanilang mga classmates, nananakit ng kanilang mga teacher,” the Chief Executive added.

The President also urged everyone to unite, saying, “Kailangan po lahat tayo ay magkaisa at magsama-sama. Bantayan po natin nang mabuti ang ating mga kabataan.”

The President said that the government knows how important the schoolchildren are.

“Alam ko na kayong mga magulang napakamahal ninyo ang mga anak ninyo. Kaya ginagawa natin ang lahat na sila ay, nakakatiyak tayo na sila ay ligtas, walang mangyari sa kanilang hindi maganda kagaya ng nakita natin at kailangan lahat tayo ay nagtutulungan,” the President said.

President Marcos urged everyone to look after the children and make sure they do not get involved in, or even think of, any violent activities.

“Kaya ganito po ang ginagawa namin sa larangan ng edukasyon. Hindi lang po ang pagtuturo sa classroom kung hindi pati po ang pag-aalaga sa kalusugan ng kabataan at ang kanilang kaligtasan sa kanilang eskwelahan,” President Marcos also said. Ӏ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to give public school teachers better career paths, reiterating that no teacher should retire as Teacher I.

Speaking in Santiago City, Isabela, after the mass oath-taking of 4,125 newly promoted and newly hired DepEd Region II education personnel during the observance of National Teachers’ Month, the President said that the government is opening up career opportunities through the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

“Kaya nangako ako sa ating mga guro: hindi na tayo papayag na mayroong guro na magre-retire bilang Teacher I,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that teachers deserve to grow professionally after dedicating most of their lives to teaching.

“Dahil sa aming pananaw, hindi naman tama na ibinibigay ninyo ang napakalaking bahagi ng inyong buhay sa pagtuturo, tapos hindi kayo uunlad sa inyong propesyon,” he stated.

As of September, more than 82,000 teachers and school heads nationwide have already been promoted through this system. The President also assured educators of continued backing.

“Patuloy po rin ang suporta namin sa inyo. Binawasan natin ang administrative work at pinabuti ang benepisyo ng ating mga guro,” the Chief Executive noted.

Aside from career growth, President Marcos thanked teachers for helping improve the country’s scores in Reading, Science, and Mathematics in the 2025 PISA compared to 2022.

The Chief Executive also emphasized student safety, noting that the government will work with communities to protect children from bullying, abuse, and online risks.

“Hindi lamang kayo nagtuturo ng aralin, kayo ang gumagabay, nag-aalaga, at tumutulong humubog sa kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” the President said.

Following the event, President Marcos visited Patul Elementary School to launch the Kaagapay Program in Region II, which helps parents spot threats to children’s safety. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Patul Elementary School in Santiago City, Isabela, on Friday to inspect the implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) modality under the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) and promote learner well-being.

“At kaya pinagsasama-sama po namin at hindi lang namin tinitingnan ang mga nangyayari sa classroom, ngunit pati na ang kalusugan ng ating mga kabataan. Kaya mayroon tayong feeding program, mayroon tayong special para doon sa mga masyadong payat o masyadong maliit ay binibigyan natin ng—tinitiyak natin na nakakatanggap sila ng kanilang mga pangangailangan para sa pagkain,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the visit.

The President, assisted by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, also interacted with elementary school children and helped distribute food in one of the classrooms.

The Home-Grown School Feeding under the School-Based Feeding Program is anchored on RA 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act. The program provides hot meals that cover at least 30 percent of the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI), using ingredients sourced directly from local smallholder farmers.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the overall SBFP benefits all Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils, as well as severely wasted and wasted learners in Grades 2 to 6 and targeted vulnerable learners in other grade levels.

President Marcos and Angara observed the distribution of hot meals to the learners and interacted with representatives of local farmer cooperatives that supply fresh produce to the HGSF.

“Hindi lang ito basta pagpapakain sa ating mga mag-aaral; isang paraan ito para matiyak na malusog at handang matuto ang ating mga kabataan,” Angara said.

“Through the Home Grown School Feeding program, pinagbubuti natin ang nutrisyon at attendance ng mga bata, habang nagbibigay din tayo ng siguradong merkado at kita para sa ating local farmers,” he also said.

The visit in Region II was in celebration of the National Teachers’ Month to spearhead major initiatives aimed at improving teacher welfare, learner nutrition, and school safety.

While at the school, President Marcos and Angara also met with parents participating in a session of the Kaagapay Program as part of DepEd’s School Safety Campaign.

The Kaagapay Program seeks to support parents, guardians, caregivers, and other adults responsible for the upbringing of child-learners in promoting positive discipline and values formation, consistent with DepEd’s learner protection and guidance frameworks, while fostering safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environments.

Guided by DepEd Memorandum No. 002, s. 2026, the program aims to tap parents, guardians, and caregivers as active co-educators to encourage positive discipline, bullying prevention, values formation, and digital safety in alignment with DepEd’s learner protection framework.

Meanwhile, the Curricular Alignment reinforces learning, behavioral, and socio-emotional targets under the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, including Homeroom Guidance, Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), Values Education, and foundational literacy and numeracy.

“Hindi nagtatapos sa loob ng silid-aralan ang proteksyon ng ating mga mag-aaral. Sa panahon ngayon, heavily exposed din ang ating mga anak sa mga banta online,” Angara emphasized.

“Through the Kaagapay Program, binibigyan natin ang mga magulang ng tamang kaalaman at gabay para mabilis na matukoy ang red flags ng bullying o online abuse, at maging ligtas ang ating mga tahanan at paaralan,” the Education Secretary said. Ӏ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will welcome Polish President Karol Nawrocki of the Republic of Poland for a State Visit from October 5 to 8, marking the first visit by a Polish Head of State to the country and highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Poland.

The visit is expected to open more opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in key areas, including defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, science and technology, information and communications technology, legal cooperation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Marcos and President Nawrocki are also expected to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.

The State Visit builds on the recent progress in Philippines-Poland relations, including the first meeting of the Philippines-Poland Defense Cooperation Committee in Warsaw in July 2026 and the 7th Philippines-Poland Political Consultations held in Manila in September 2026.

The Philippines and Poland established diplomatic relations on September 22, 1973. Over the past decade, relations between the two countries have continued to grow, with Poland becoming an important economic partner of the Philippines.

In 2025, Poland ranked as the Philippines’ 28th largest trading partner. Poland is also home to an estimated 25,000 Filipinos, further strengthening the people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Poland also recently acceded to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), along with Lithuania, Romania and Sweden, during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the TAC in Manila in July 2026, held under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.

President Nawrocki’s visit is expected to further deepen Philippines-Poland relations and create more opportunities for cooperation in areas that will benefit both countries and their people. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the credentials of French Ambassador Donatienne Hissard during a ceremony at Malacañang on Thursday.

Ambassador Hissard presented her credentials to President Marcos at the Reception Hall before meeting with the President in the Study Room.

Ambassador Hissard, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Campus France since April 2022, previously held several posts at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. She also served as Second Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome from 2012 to 2016.

During their meeting, Ambassador Hissard said France is ready to support the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen economic growth, develop its industrial base and create local jobs.

“France stands ready to support your government’s efforts to strengthen economic growth, build up the industrial base and local employment,” the new French ambassador said.

The ambassador also cited the Luzon Economic Corridor and other strategic projects as areas where France could contribute through development assistance and private sector expertise.

“Through the Luzon Economic Corridor and other strategic projects, we hope to contribute as a development partner or through the expertise of our private sector to many other critical investments in transportation, infrastructure, connectivity, disaster prevention and management,” she said.

Hissard also underscored France’s commitment to closer cultural, academic and people-to-people exchanges.

For his part, President Marcos said relations between the Philippines and France have grown stronger, with both countries exploring cooperation beyond traditional areas.

“The relationship between our two countries has grown stronger, but we have explored areas that were considered not traditional,” President Marcos said.

“And these are things that we hope to continue to promote in our current… two countries for the benefit of France and for the Philippines,” the President added.

The Philippines and France have maintained diplomatic relations for 79 years since establishing formal ties in 1947. France was the Philippines’ 20th largest trading partner in 2025, with total trade reaching $1.873 billion.

The two countries have agreements covering air services, cultural cooperation, defense, film, and development cooperation.

The presentation of credentials highlights continued Philippines-France cooperation in economic development, infrastructure, security and people-to-people exchanges. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the credentials of Japanese Ambassador Kitagawa Katsuro during a ceremony at Malacañang on Thursday.

Ambassador Kitagawa presented his credentials to President Marcos, which was followed by a brief meeting to take stock of the robust relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Kitagawa has held several senior positions at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau and Director-General of the Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department. He likewise served in Japanese diplomatic missions in France and the Republic of Korea.

During his meeting with the President, Ambassador Kitagawa said he would work to further deepen the Philippines-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“I shall exert every possible effort to further deepen our strategic partnership through the steady progress of cooperation in a wide range of areas such as security, economy, and people-to-people exchange,” the Ambassador said.

For his part, the President acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Japan that has continued to grow even closer.

“The decades-long friendship between our two countries has reached a level never before seen in the history of our vibrant and dynamic relations. We hope to continue to foster this partnership for the benefit of both our countries and our peoples,” the President said.

The Philippines and Japan are marking this year seven decades of longstanding friendship and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Japan was the Philippines’ second-largest trading partner in 2025, with total trade reaching $22.2 billion. It also remains the country’s largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA), with loan and grant commitments totaling about $13.959 billion as of December 2025.

The two countries have forged more than 300 bilateral agreements covering a wide range of areas such as trade and investment, defense equipment and technology, infrastructure and Mindanao development as of June 2026. | PND

Recognizing the contributions of Filipino teachers to nation-building, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. promised to ensure school safety and improve teacher professional development that ultimately benefits the country’s learners.

“Together with parents, communities, and other partners, we will continue to work to make our schools more secure and more responsive to the needs of our learners,” President Marcos said in his address at the Manila Hotel during the Teacher Education Council’s (TEC) Celebrating Teacher Excellence: A National Teachers’ Month 2026 Celebration.

“At the same time, we continue to improve teacher preparation and professional development throughout your careers.”

These efforts are evident in the administration’s approach, such as the Teacher Education Roadmap 2035 and the scholarship program for the Teacher Education Centers of Excellence, the President said, noting that the launch of MyTEC creates more opportunities for teachers to continue learning and growing throughout their careers.

The administration’s goal, President Marcos said, is to ensure teachers have better preparation before entering the classroom and meaningful opportunities to keep learning while practicing their professions.

And through the first TEC Teachers Awards, the government is honoring educators who have demonstrated excellence and a commitment to continuous professional growth, the President emphasized.

“To awardees: Your recognition today is a tribute to what you have accomplished. Let your example inspire another teacher. May your experience help shape the next generation of teachers,” said the Chief Executive.

“To our scholars: The scholarship that you receive today is an investment in your future and in the future of the children that you will teach. Make the most of that opportunity. Study well. Learn deeply. Serve with compassion,” President Marcos added.

The President expressed gratitude to the country’s teachers and also acknowledged the government’s private-sector partners in teacher education for sharing their expertise, resources, research, and time.

The President also told the educators that their hard work does not go unnoticed, stressing that tools such as technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), will change how children learn, but they cannot replace a teacher who guides them in deciding what is true, important, and right.

The TEC Teachers Awards 2026 is an awards program of the Teacher Education Council recognizing individuals whose work contributes to the development and improvement of teacher education in the Philippines.

The My Teacher Education Commons (MyTEC) Portal, on the other hand, is a proposed shared digital platform being developed by the Teacher Education Council to support continuous professional learning and teacher development. | PND