Manila, May 18 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the creation of some 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools for the upcoming School Year 2025-2026 to strengthen the education sector and ensure sufficient manpower in schools.

The 16,000 new teaching positions are the first tranche of the 20,000 positions targeted for creation this year, the DBM said in a statement Sunday.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen our country's education system.

"This move is also in support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) efforts to boost the teaching workforce across Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senio...