TDC PRESENTS RECOMMENDATIONS ON ECP TO DEPED (updates on ARAL and other concerns to follow)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑👫More than 50 leaders of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) from Central Luzon, CALABARZON and NCR presented their positions and recommendations on the Extended Career Progression (ECP) before DepEd officials led by Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, TechZone Building, Makati City.

👨‍🏫During the dialogue, the TDC, led by Chairperson Benjo Basas, stood firm in asserting that in advancing teachers’ rights, welfare, and dignity, the sector cannot and must not settle for the bare minimum. The group underscored that genuine reform requires breaking free from rigid bureaucratic limits and embracing innovative, teacher-grounded approaches that uphold the system’s true mission and purpose.

🗣️TDC Spokesperson Jim Lester P. Beleno highlighted that the ECP, in its current form, risks becoming counterproductive—hindering rather than promoting teachers’ career advancement. Across the country, many teacher-applicants have expressed frustration and disillusionment as the gap between the program’s vision and its actual implementation continues to widen.

🏫While DepEd has adopted some of TDC’s proposals in DepEd Order No. 034, s. 2025, the coalition remains steadfast in advancing the teachers’ perspective—anchored in lived experience and grounded in the realities faced daily by educators in the field.

💬Below are the major recommendations of TDC for the reform and refinement of the ECP, alongside DepEd’s corresponding responses:

1️⃣Prioritization of seasoned teachers.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

There must be automatic salary grade progression based on tenure every five (5) years of Very Satisfactory service. This would enable a teacher to reach at least Teacher VII within 30 years of service, especially for those who prefer steady advancement rather than joining the competitive and burdensome race for promotion.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Partially accommodated in the latest amendment. Further discussion is ongoing regarding the specifics of tenure-based automatic progression.

2️⃣Consideration for teachers with special conditions.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

Teachers with special circumstances—such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), those nearing retirement, or those with co-morbidities—should be granted flexibility and due consideration in the ECP process

👨‍💼DepEd:

Acknowledged. DepEd noted that such cases are given special treatment and priority in promotion and reclassification.

3️⃣Incentives for teachers in GIDCA areas.

👩‍🏫TDC:

Teachers serving in Geographically Isolated, Disadvantaged, and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDCA) should receive an automatic one-salary-grade progression after at least three (3) years of continuous service.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Recognized. DepEd will study ways to incentivize teachers serving in hardship posts.

4️⃣Promotion based on performance evaluation

👩‍🏫TDC: 

Performance ratings, as the most reliable indicators of competence, should suffice for promotion or reclassification. Excessive paperwork, demonstration teaching, and redundant requirements must be eliminated.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Accepted. Demonstration teaching will no longer be required under the ECP. Regular classroom performance, including classroom observations will be the basis for evaluation, easing unnecessary burdens on teachers.

5️⃣Satisfactory or 'S' rating in COI/NCOI should not be a ground for DQ

👩‍🏫TDC: 

A Satisfactory (S) rating in the COI or NCOI should not automatically disqualify a teacher from progression. The overall performance rating should determine advancement.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Agreed. The amendment to the ECP already reflects this principle.

6️⃣Comprehensive review of performance frameworks.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

DepEd should conduct a thorough review of the PPST, IPCRF and RPMS/PMES to evaluate their actual effectiveness. These frameworks, as widely experienced, have become bureaucratic burdens with limited impact on learning outcomes.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Maintains its stance on competency-based assessment but is open to continued dialogue with TDC for refinement.

7️⃣Simplified performance system/Revert to PAST 

👩‍🏫TDC: 

DepEd should consider reinstating the Performance Appraisal System for Teachers (PAST)—a simpler, humane, and objective tool that served effectively for decades.

👨‍💼DepEd: 

To be further discussed. DepEd considers PAST “too subjective,” but TDC remains open to refining the system to include objective components.

8️⃣Modification or removal of the “Quantum Leap” hurdle.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

This restriction, particularly in the ECP’s initial phase, should be modified or abolished as it unfairly hinders qualified and high-performing teachers from advancing despite their competence and years of service.

DepEd:

Recognized. DepEd has consulted with DBM to explore flexibility on the “Quantum Leap” provision.

9️⃣Availability of plantilla items.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

Sufficient positions must be provided for qualified teachers to prevent unhealthy competition and inequity. Those who have met ECP qualifications should not be required to reapply due to lack of items; instead, they should be placed on a priority appointment list once positions become available.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Acknowledged. DepEd clarified that this concern involves DBM’s jurisdiction, but assured continuous coordination on the matter.


1️⃣0️⃣Free and accessible post-graduate education.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

Since higher ECP levels require advanced degrees, the government must ensure free and accessible graduate education for all teachers nationwide.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Welcomed. DepEd is exploring partnerships with higher education institutions to make graduate studies more affordable and accessible.

1️⃣1️⃣Suspension of the ECP implementation.

👩‍🏫TDC:

Immediate suspension of the ECP until genuine consultations with teachers and stakeholders ensure clarity, fairness, and inclusivity.

👨‍💼DepEd: Rejected. Since we are still in the initial phase of implementation, some problems may be expected. Instead, the process should be allowed to mature, as suspension may be unfair to those who were initially qualified.

1️⃣2️⃣Support for P15K across-the-board salary increase.

👩‍🏫TDC: 

DepEd must also address teachers’ economic well-being by supporting TDC’s campaign for a ₱15,000 across-the-board salary increase (Senate Bill 211) for all DepEd employees.

👨‍💼DepEd:

Expressed general support for initiatives advocating salary adjustments for teachers.

✅While the TDC appreciates DepEd’s openness in this dialogue, the group will continue to seek other avenues to improve teachers’ conditions under the ECP. TDC will actively pursue these advocacies with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Teacher Education Council (TEC), and the Congress of the Philippines to ensure that every reform truly upholds fairness, merit, and dignity for all educators.

💪With continued engagement, TDC remains steadfast in upholding teachers’ rights and welfare, trusting that DepEd will act with fairness and compassion toward building a more dignified, teacher-centered education system. #

Source: TDC