Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced its plan to significantly increase the number of teaching positions by 2026 in a strategic move to tackle the ongoing shortage of educators in public schools.

According to Philippines News Agency, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman revealed during a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing that the government has already established 60,000 new teaching positions along with 5,000 non-teaching roles aimed at reducing the administrative burden on teachers. Secretary Pangandaman emphasized the administration's commitment to resolving the backlog, stating that under President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s leadership, efforts will be made to double the number of teaching positions in the coming year.

The initiative also includes provisions for hiring additional guidance counselors to enhance student support services. This move is part of a broader effort by the Marcos administration to improve the quality of education through better teacher-to-student ratios and enhanced support systems.

The Education Commission 2 (EDCOM II), responsible for evaluating reforms in the education sector, has identified teacher shortages as a significant barrier to effective learning. In his fourth SONA, President Marcos highlighted the central role of teachers in the education system and promised that starting this school year, public school teachers would be compensated for teaching overload and overtime hours. He also noted the reduction of teachers' administrative tasks under his administration.

To further streamline processes, the Department of Education reported a 57 percent reduction in teachers' workload. President Marcos announced plans to digitize remaining paperwork, allowing for online submission through teachers' new laptops, further easing their burden.