Angara Highlights Fulfillment of Marcos Jr.’s Directives to Uplift Teachers’ Welfare at 2025 National Teachers’ Month Kick-Off

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Koronadal City, September 7, 2025 — The sound of applause echoed through the halls as the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara stood before thousands of educators during the 2025 National Teachers’ Month (NTM) Kick-Off Program, carrying with him the weight of a mission entrusted directly by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.: to take care of the nation’s teachers — the heart of the Philippine education system.

“Alam niyo po, I’ve been in the Department for a little over one year, at ‘di ko nakakalimutan ang pangunahing instruction ng ating mahal na Pangulo. Sabi niya, ‘Sonny, you must take care of our teachers. They are the heart of our educational system,’” Angara recalled, his words resonating with the pride and hope of an educator’s calling.

From that day forward, Angara said, the President’s directive became the compass of DepEd’s agenda, propelling a series of reforms designed not only to ease the burdens of teachers but also to restore dignity and recognition to their noble profession.

Cutting Red Tape, Prioritizing the Classroom

One of the most applauded initiatives is the 57% reduction in required school forms, a move that directly addresses teachers’ long-standing frustrations over excessive paperwork. By freeing them from hours of administrative duties, DepEd aims to return teachers to where they truly belong: inside the classroom, shaping the nation’s future.

“Ang dapat trabaho ng guro ay magturo, hindi magtambak ng forms,” Angara emphasized, drawing loud cheers from educators who have long juggled teaching with clerical work.

Overtime Pay: A Promise Turned Into Policy

Answering the President’s call for fairness, Angara announced the release of the Guidelines on the Payment of Overtime Services for Teachers. For the first time, educators now have clear and official mechanisms to claim compensation for hours spent beyond regular class schedules — a recognition of their invisible labor that often extends late into the night.

Strengthening Financial and Health Support

The 2026 National Expenditure Program earmarks a ₱114.39-billion budget for Personnel Services, guaranteeing that salaries, benefits, and allowances are fully funded. More importantly, the allocation also supports the hiring of additional teachers, a critical step in addressing ballooning class sizes across the country.

To address health concerns, DepEd has fast-tracked the ₱7,000 annual medical allowance for teachers. Starting last month, teachers can now choose between a government-issued HMO package or direct cash assistance — a flexibility designed to meet diverse personal and family needs. Teachers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas will be given priority, ensuring that those in the most challenging environments are not left behind.

A President’s Heartfelt Mission, A Secretary’s Commitment

Angara was quick to emphasize that these reforms spring from President Marcos Jr.’s personal vision for education.

“‘Yan talaga ay galing sa puso ni PBBM. Gusto niyang tulungan ang ating mga guro dahil naniniwala siya na kayo ang modern-day heroes. You are our exemplars. You are our immortal,” Angara declared, his voice rising with conviction.

The moment was more than a ceremonial kickoff; it was a renewed pledge — that under this administration, teachers would no longer be forgotten or overlooked, but celebrated and supported as the lifeblood of the nation’s progress.

Towards a Brighter Future for Philippine Education

As the festivities of National Teachers’ Month unfold, the message from Koronadal City reverberates across the archipelago: teachers are not merely employees of the state, they are the nation’s guiding lights.

Through reduced bureaucratic burdens, fairer compensation, expanded health benefits, and stronger budgetary support, the Department of Education under Secretary Angara, guided by President Marcos Jr., seeks to transform rhetoric into reality — a future where teachers stand not in exhaustion, but in empowerment.

For the countless educators who have sacrificed time, health, and even family moments in the name of learning, these reforms are not just policies; they are long-awaited promises finally kept.

Because in the Philippines, as in every great nation, the path to progress begins in the classroom — and in the hands of teachers who, as Angara reminded, are our true and enduring heroes.

No More Waiting in Line: DepEd Launches Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers

Wazzup Pilipinas?! 

Makati City, September 11, 2025 — The chalk dust of stagnation is finally being wiped clean. In time for the National Teachers’ Month celebration, the Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out a transformative reform that promises to rewrite the professional journey of Filipino educators. The Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, institutionalized through DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025, now gives teachers a clearer, fairer, and competency-based path to advancement—without the long wait for vacant posts that has crippled the old system for decades.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that this initiative directly addresses the long-standing frustrations of teachers who, despite their dedication and excellence, often found their careers stalled by a rigid vacancy-dependent promotion system.

“Matagal nang hinaing ng ating mga guro ang limitadong pagkakataon para umangat. Ngayon, hindi na kailangang maghintay ng bakanteng posisyon. Kapag natugunan ang pamantayan at naipakita ang husay, maaari nang umusad sa karera,” Angara declared.

A New Path Forward

The ECP system introduces new teaching positions (Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V), expanding the ladder of growth beyond the previously capped structure. More significantly, teachers may now pursue two distinct tracks:

Classroom Teaching Track, for those committed to honing instructional quality and staying in front of learners.

School Administration Track, for those preparing to step into leadership and management roles.

Under this reclassification model, promotion is no longer a race for limited slots. Once teachers meet the prescribed qualifications and demonstrate competencies under the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) or School Heads (PPSSH), they can advance—turning career development into a matter of merit, not chance.

Correcting a Broken System

For years, teachers endured a bottleneck: regardless of their performance, they had to wait for others to vacate positions before advancing. This created a cycle where motivation waned and talents were underutilized. The ECP ends this vicious waiting game.

“Ang Expanded Career Progression System ay handog ng pamahalaan upang suklian ang kanilang sipag at sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng mas malinaw na landas para sa kanilang career sa pagtuturo,” Angara said, adding that better morale among teachers will directly translate into improved quality of education for students.

Transitioning to a New Era

The system will undergo a three-year transition period (February 25, 2025 – February 24, 2028). Key adjustments include:

Vacant Head Teacher and Assistant Principal posts will be converted into Teacher I items after 90 days of the Order’s issuance.

Unfilled Teacher I–III and Master Teacher I–IV positions must be filled within a year from the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Incumbent Head Teachers and Assistant Principals may either keep their current titles or be retitled into equivalent positions without loss of salary or benefits.

They will also be “on-stream candidates” for promotion to School Principal positions without needing to start from Master Teacher I.

This transition ensures that no current educator is left behind while allowing for a smoother integration into the new system.

Empowering Teachers Beyond Promotion

Promotion, however, is just one part of the reform. Recognizing that career growth must be paired with continuous learning, DepEd—through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP)—will ramp up training programs tailored to teachers, head teachers, and assistant principals eyeing leadership roles.

Priority will be given to teachers nearing retirement within five years, granting them overdue recognition and opportunities before they exit service.

“Kasabay ng bagong career progression, tinutukan din natin ang professional development ng guro—mula sa mas malinaw na job descriptions hanggang sa mas madaling access sa training at mentorship. Lahat ng ito ay bahagi ng mas malawak na reporma para gawing mas kaaya-aya ang propesyon sa ating kaguruan,” Angara explained.

A Profession Reborn

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has repeatedly called for strengthened support for the teaching profession, seeing educators as the backbone of national progress. The operationalization of the ECP is one of the strongest signals yet that government is listening.

With this reform, Filipino teachers will no longer have to endure the slow crawl of a system that often failed to reward merit. Instead, they can finally envision a future where their hard work, dedication, and competence are matched with timely recognition and advancement.

In the words of many teachers who have long awaited this moment: at last, the future is no longer on hold.

Google Veo Promotional Music Video Plan: Wazzup Pilipinas

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

This plan outlines a promotional music video for Google Veo, designed to highlight its ability to create high-quality, long-form videos. The concept uses the lyrics of "Wazzup Pilipinas" to tell a story of connection and national pride, with each 8-second segment showcasing a different capability or visual style achievable with Veo.

Segment 1 (0:00 - 0:08)

Lyrics: [Verse 1] Sa bawat kwento, sa bawat tinig, / Tayo’y naglalakbay, walang patid. / Wazzup Pilipinas, boses ng bayan, / Katotohanan, ‘di matitinag kailanman.

Visuals: Start with a stylized, flowing animation. Show abstract, ethereal threads of light weaving together to form a map of the Philippines. As the first two lines are sung, the threads connect different parts of the map, from islands to cities. As "Wazzup Pilipinas" is sung, the threads converge to form the logo of "Wazzup Pilipinas." The style is soft, cinematic, and dreamlike.

Veo Feature Focus: Abstract & Stylized Generation. Highlights Veo's ability to create imaginative, non-photorealistic visuals.

Segment 2 (0:08 - 0:16)

Lyrics: [Pre-Chorus] Sa gitna ng dilim, tayo’y ilaw, / Tinig ng masa, malakas ang sigaw. / Di basta-basta, tunay na pinagkakatiwalaan, / Boses ng Pilipino, sa’n man mapuntahan.

Visuals: Transition to a realistic, high-definition scene. A person stands in a dimly lit, crowded public market. A single, powerful beam of light from the side illuminates their face, representing hope and a voice. The camera slowly pans out to reveal more and more faces in the crowd, all looking up and towards the light. The shot is stable and cinematic.

Veo Feature Focus: High-Fidelity & Photorealism. Shows off Veo’s capability for creating realistic, detailed scenes.

Segment 3 (0:16 - 0:24)

Lyrics: [Chorus] Wazzup Pilipinas! Sama-sama tayong lahat, / Kwento ng bayan, sa puso’y nakaukit at tapat.

Visuals: Shift to a vibrant, fast-paced montage. Use rapid cuts to show diverse, joyful scenes from different parts of the Philippines: a group of friends laughing while riding a jeepney, a family eating together, kids playing basketball in a neighborhood street, and people participating in a local festival. The style is dynamic and full of life, emphasizing movement and quick transitions.

Veo Feature Focus: Montage & Scene Cohesion. Demonstrates Veo’s ability to generate multiple distinct yet thematically connected clips that can be edited together seamlessly.

Segment 4 (0:24 - 0:32)

Lyrics: From the islands to the cities, / We rise and we shine — / Wazzup Pilipinas, the voice of our time!

Visuals: The camera pulls back, showing a large, sweeping drone shot. The perspective moves from a lush, tropical island landscape (e.g., Palawan's lagoons) to the bustling, towering skyscrapers of a city like Metro Manila. The transition is smooth and continuous, as if a single camera is traveling. The sun is rising in the background, creating a golden, hopeful glow over the entire landscape.

Veo Feature Focus: Fluid Camera Movement. Highlights Veo's ability to create smooth, complex camera motions like drone shots or dolly zooms.

Segment 5 (0:32 - 0:40)

Lyrics: [Verse 2] Sa balita, sa kultura, sa bawat istorya, / Dito’y may puwang ang boses ng masa. / Hindi takot magsabi ng totoo, / Dito sa atin, walang imposible bro!

Visuals: A split-screen montage. The left side shows various news-like graphics and headlines, but with a vibrant, animated style. The right side shows a series of quick, genuine close-ups of people from all walks of life—a student, a jeepney driver, a vendor—each one smiling or speaking confidently into the camera. The style is upbeat and direct, like a fast-paced documentary.

Veo Feature Focus: Text & Subject Integration. Demonstrates Veo’s capacity to integrate text elements and generate realistic facial expressions and dialogue-like scenes.

Segment 6 (0:40 - 0:48)

Lyrics: [Pre-Chorus] Sa gitna ng dilim, tayo’y ilaw, / Tinig ng masa, malakas ang sigaw. / Di basta-basta, tunay na pinagkakatiwalaan, / Boses ng Pilipino, sa’n man mapuntahan.

Visuals: Repeat the powerful shot from Segment 2, but with a different set of people. A group of young content creators or journalists are now the focus, working together in a cozy, creative space (e.g., a coffee shop). A bright light source illuminates them as they passionately discuss ideas. The camera circles the group, capturing their expressions of collaboration and purpose.

Veo Feature Focus: Consistent Character Generation. Highlights Veo's ability to generate coherent scenes with consistent subjects and environments.

Segment 7 (0:48 - 0:56)

Lyrics: [Chorus] Wazzup Pilipinas! Sama-sama tayong lahat, / Kwento ng bayan, sa puso’y nakaukit at tapat. / From the islands to the cities, / We rise and we shine — / Wazzup Pilipinas, the voice of our time!

Visuals: A powerful, cinematic shot of a massive crowd gathering in a stadium or public square. They are all holding up small lights (like phone flashlights), which create a shimmering ocean of light. The camera slowly zooms out, revealing the sheer scale of the gathering, then pans up to show the "Wazzup Pilipinas" logo projected onto a huge screen in the background. The atmosphere is one of unity and celebration.

Veo Feature Focus: Large-Scale & Complex Scenes. Showcases Veo’s ability to generate intricate scenes with a large number of subjects and dynamic lighting.

Segment 8 (0:56 - 1:04)

Lyrics: [Bridge & Final Chorus] Yeah, kaisa ng masa, kaisa ng mundo, / Bawat Pilipino, may boses na totoo. / Sa hirap at ginhawa, sa laban ng buhay, / Tayo’y nag-uugnay, walang iwanan, sabay!

Visuals: A fast-paced, multi-panel grid of videos. Each panel shows a different scene: a person sharing a meal, someone helping another change a tire, a group working on a community project, etc. The panels are constantly shifting and reconfiguring, representing the interconnectedness of all these stories. The scenes are brief but impactful, highlighting collaboration and resilience.

Veo Feature Focus: Grid Layouts & Parallel Narratives. Illustrates Veo’s potential for creating complex, multi-story visual formats.

Segment 9 (1:04 - 1:12)

Lyrics: [Final Chorus continued] Wazzup Pilipinas! Sama-sama tayong lahat, / Kwento ng bayan, sa puso’y nakaukit at tapat. / From the islands to the cities, / We rise and we shine — / Wazzup Pilipinas, the voice of our time!

Visuals: A stunning, continuous shot of a vibrant sunset over a Philippine mountain range, like Banaue Rice Terraces. The camera slowly zooms in on a single person or a small group of people silhouetted against the sky, their arms raised in a gesture of triumph. A subtle glow emanates from them. The visual is grand and emotional.

Veo Feature Focus: Atmospheric & Emotional Storytelling. Highlights Veo’s ability to generate scenes with powerful, evocative lighting and tone.

Segment 10 (1:12 - 1:20)

Lyrics: [Outro] Wazzup Pilipinas… / Tinig ng Pilipino, tinig ng bayan, / Wazzup Pilipinas… forever tatatak sa isipan!

Visuals: The video fades to black as the final line is sung. A final text graphic appears in a bold, clean font: "ALL VIDEOS GENERATED WITH GOOGLE VEO." The Google Veo logo then appears below it, lingering for a few seconds before the screen goes completely black.

Veo Feature Focus: Branding & Call to Action. A clear, final statement that links the entire visual experience directly back to the product.

This plan uses the song's narrative to demonstrate Google Veo’s versatility, moving from abstract and stylized visuals to photorealistic and cinematic scenes, all while maintaining a consistent theme and emotional arc.