National Teachers’ Day 2025: A nationwide salute to Filipino educators
In a landmark celebration of National Teachers’ Day 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) honored the unwavering service, dedication, and invaluable contributions of Filipino educators. Held on Monday, October 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the event marked the culmination of World Teachers’ Day (WTD) and National Teachers’ Month (NTM) under the theme “Together 4 Teachers.” About 12,500 teachers from across Luzon gathered for this momentous occasion, underscoring the country’s commitment to elevating the teaching profession.
Top leaders recognize teachers’ pivotal role
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara in leading the celebration. In his remarks, the President emphasized teachers as nation-builders who shape minds, nurture values, and fuel a brighter future—one student at a time. He reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to improve teacher benefits and welfare, noting that teachers impart far more than knowledge and must be supported in every classroom across the archipelago.
Messages of gratitude and resolve
President Marcos highlighted that teachers also gain resilience and hope from the children they guide. His speech framed the NTD as more than a ceremonial tribute; it is a policy moment signaling sustained investment in the teaching workforce. DepEd Secretary Angara reinforced this theme by stressing that teachers are at the heart of learning recovery after pandemic-related disruptions and that their welfare is integral to high-quality education for every Filipino child.
DepEd’s welfare initiatives: tangible benefits for teachers
During the event, Angara outlined several DepEd programs aimed at directly improving teachers’ lives. Key initiatives include:
- A P7,000 annual medical allowance for teachers and personnel to cover health and HMOs, with about 1.2 million beneficiaries targeted. As of the previous month, nearly 1,000,000 had already received the benefit, with disbursement continuing.
- The Expanded Career Progression System, designed to accelerate promotions and ensure no teacher remains at the entry level for too long. Two tracks—Teaching and Administrative—offer clear pathways from Teaching I to Teacher VII, Master Teacher V, and School Principal IV, respectively.
- A dramatic 57% reduction in administrative tasks, leaving teachers with more time for instruction as only five essential school forms remain.
- Enhanced vacation service credits, now offering 30 days (double the previous 15 days) for personal or health-related reasons.
- The Teacher Education Roadmap 2025–2035, led by the Teacher Education Council, aligning curricula with the QBEDP 2025–2035 to cultivate innovative, globally competitive teachers.
<h2 Addressing classroom needs and future growth
To combat classroom congestion, the government plans to open 60,000 new teaching positions by fiscal year 2026, backed by a ₱114.39 billion allocation for salaries and benefits—a 19.4% increase from the previous year. Digitalization also figures prominently in DepEd’s agenda, with a proposed ₱16 billion FY 2026 budget to support 240,000 laptops, improved connectivity, and stronger internet support for teachers. These measures aim to reduce barriers to high-quality teaching and ensure students receive contemporary, technology-enabled instruction.
<h2 A national commitment to teaching excellence
The National Teachers’ Day 2025 celebration goes beyond recognition. It reaffirms teachers’ central role in nation-building, quality education, and learning recovery after pandemic-related challenges. The event serves as the culmination of WTD activities and underscores a public pledge to honor, respect, and support educators who nurture globally minded citizens, strengthen families, and build resilient communities. The country observes National Teachers’ Month from September 5 to October 5, with October 5 officially designated as National Teachers’ Day under relevant laws and UNESCO-aligned recognition.
<h2 What comes next for teachers and learners
Beyond awards and applause, DepEd points to concrete steps that will shape classrooms in the coming years. The collaboration between policymakers and educators aims to keep teachers at the center of educational progress—delivering inclusive, high-quality instruction and ensuring that every learner receives the attention and resources they deserve. As the nation celebrates its educators, the shared message is clear: strong teacher welfare is the foundation of a strong, competitive Philippines.
