Manila, Dec. 18 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) has promoted 16,025 public school teachers nationwide under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen the welfare of educators.

In a statement on Wednesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said many teachers have long been eligible for promotion but have faced delays in career advancement.

"Teachers should experience career growth while still in service. As the President has emphasized, no teacher should retire as a Teacher I," Angara said.

Besides the recently-promoted educators, 41,183 more teachers are now queued for promotion, with processes and transmittals secured before the Department of Budget and...