MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools for School Year 2025–2026, in a move aimed at bolstering the country’s education sector and addressing manpower needs in classrooms nationwide.
This is the first tranche of the 20,000 teaching positions targeted for creation this year, the DBM said in a statement released on Sunday.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen the education system.
“This move also supports the Department of Education’s (DepEd) efforts to expand the teaching workforce across Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and the Alternative Learning System,” she said.
Of the newly approved positions, 15,343 will be for Teacher I posts (Salary Grade 11), 157 for Special Science Teachers (Salary Grade 13), and 500 for Special Education (SPED) Teachers (Salary Grade 14).
To ensure efficient deployment, Senior High School teaching positions will be created at the division level, allowing School Division Superintendents to assign teachers based on local needs. This flexible arrangement, first approved by DBM in 2016, is intended to prevent redundancy and optimize staffing.
“Suportado po ng DBM ang pagbibigay-prayoridad ng gobyerno sa kapakanan ng ating mga guro,” Pangandaman added. “Gusto po nating siguraduhin na bawat bata ay may teacher na tututok at handang tumulong sa kanilang pag-aaral. Seryoso po tayo sa hangaring mapaganda ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa.”
(The DBM supports the government’s prioritization of our teachers’ welfare. We want to ensure every child has a teacher ready to guide and assist them in their learning. We are serious about improving the quality of education in the country.)
Funding for the new positions, amounting to PHP4.194 billion, will be sourced from DepEd’s appropriations under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, specifically designated for personnel hiring.
In compliance with existing policies and the election ban from March 28 to May 11, 2025, the issuance of appointments and Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action (NOSCA) will take effect only after the election period.
The DBM regional offices will work closely with DepEd to facilitate the release of NOSCAs and corresponding funds, covering only those positions that have been successfully filled.
For the current school year (2024–2025), over 27 million students have enrolled in elementary and high schools nationwide—including learners from public and private institutions, as well as those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System.
— The Summit Express
