16,000 New Teachers to Reinforce Philippine Classrooms: PBBM and DBM Greenlight Massive Hiring Push

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a sweeping move poised to redefine the landscape of public education in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to welcome 16,000 new teachers to the frontlines of learning. This bold initiative, approved by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), comes as part of a national drive to decongest jam-packed classrooms and relieve the overburdened teaching force.

The dramatic expansion is rooted in the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which authorized a total of 20,000 new teaching positions. In anticipation of the upcoming school year, DepEd urgently sought and received approval to fast-track the release of 80 percent of these posts—16,000 positions—to address persistent teacher shortages across all regions.

A Presidential Priority

President Marcos’ direct order to prioritize educators and learners was a clear catalyst for the rapid mobilization. Education Secretary Sonny Angara, newly appointed and already making impactful strides, praised the swift action and support from both the President and DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“We thank President Marcos for his firm instruction to prioritize our teachers and learners,” said Angara. “These new teaching items directly respond to his call to reduce class sizes and lighten the workload of our educators on the ground.”

The President’s directive is not just an administrative decision—it’s a statement of national intent. For far too long, public school classrooms have overflowed with students, while teachers have juggled both instructional and clerical duties, sometimes handling as many as 60 to 70 students per class. This strategic hiring spree aims to turn the tide.

A Race Against Time: Fast-Tracking Recruitment

With the clock ticking toward the start of the school year, DepEd has placed its Schools Division Offices (SDOs) on high alert. As soon as the Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action (NOSCA) are transmitted by DBM regional offices, local divisions are ordered to immediately publish vacancies and begin hiring.

This is not the start of the effort. In fact, some divisions began recruitment activities as early as October 2024, reflecting the department's foresight in preparing for this hiring wave. The applicant evaluation process has been ongoing since January 2025, with the Registry of Qualified Applicants (RQA) already brimming with potential hires.

The targeted positions are not just generic teaching roles—they're strategically allocated to critical need areas: kindergarten, elementary education, and subject-specific roles in junior and senior high school, where shortages are often most acute.

Quality Learning Starts with the Right Teachers

Beyond merely filling classrooms, the initiative aims to reshape learning dynamics. By reducing the student-teacher ratio, the government hopes to restore focus, attention, and quality to classroom instruction. Smaller classes allow for more individualized teaching, better student engagement, and improved learning outcomes.

The ripple effect is powerful: more teachers mean more time for lesson planning, more personalized feedback, and less burnout. It’s a vision of a revitalized teaching workforce—energized, supported, and equipped to elevate the nation’s learners.

Administrative Support to Lighten the Load

Complementing the influx of educators, the DBM has also begun releasing 10,000 Administrative Officer II (AOII) items. These non-teaching positions are instrumental in freeing up teachers from paperwork and operational duties, ensuring they can focus solely on instruction.

For years, Filipino teachers have worn many hats—from educators and counselors to record keepers and event coordinators. This shift signals a new era where teaching is once again the primary and sacred duty of the educator.

A Call to Action: Swift and Fair Recruitment

Secretary Angara has issued a call to all regional and division offices to expedite the hiring process while maintaining fairness and transparency. The goal is clear: complete deployment before the end of the third quarter.

Applicants included in the new Registry of Qualified Applicants for SY 2025–2026 are encouraged to coordinate with their respective SDOs for guidance, updates, and timetables.

A Turning Point for Philippine Education

This is more than a hiring campaign—it’s a historic investment in the nation's future. It is an emphatic declaration that teachers matter, that students deserve better, and that the Philippine government is ready to put action behind its promises.

As schools across the country prepare to open their doors, 16,000 new educators will step into classrooms not just to teach, but to transform lives. With chalk in hand and purpose in heart, they represent a new hope for Philippine education—one where quality, dignity, and progress are finally within reach.

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