DBM approves budget for 16,000 new teaching positions

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools across the country for the upcoming School Year (SY) 2025–2026.

In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the education sector and ensure sufficient manpower in public schools, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the allocation of P4.194 billion needed for the hiring of new teaching personnel.

The 16,000 new teaching positions—which include 15,343 Teacher I posts with Salary Grade 11, 157 Special Science Teachers with Salary Grade 13, and 500 Special Education (Sped) Teachers with Salary Grade 14—form the first tranche of the 20,000 positions targeted for creation in 2025.

For added flexibility, the Senior High School teaching positions will be created at the division level, allowing School Division Superintendents to transfer or reassign them where they are most needed.

This arrangement, previously approved by the DBM in 2016, helps prevent duplication and ensures efficient deployment.

“This move is also in support of the Department of Education’s efforts to boost the teaching workforce across Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and the Alternative Learning System,” said Pangandaman.

“Suportado po ng DBM ang pagbibigay-prayoridad ng gobyerno sa kapakanan ng ating mga guro. 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,” she added.

Pangandaman said the release of appointments and Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action (NOSCA) will take effect only after the election period, on June 12.

For SY 2024–2025, over 27.012 million students have enrolled in elementary and high schools nationwide, including those in both public and private schools and in the Alternative Learning System. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)