If you have experienced playing a video game from a pocket-sized controller, you’d know that in order to level up, experience (EXP) points must be acquired. Humorously, a teacher gains the same way. Excellence, competence, and readiness lead an educator to the doorstep of promotion.

In compliance with Executive Order No. 174 S. 2022, the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System was established and later released under DepEd Order No. 24, 2025, this August. The system aims to expand positions for teachers and Master Teachers to fill, creating more paths and preventing teachers from retiring in the same position for years.

However thrilling, an educator still needs to achieve certain tasks in order to apply for promotion. This is the hardship many fail to see—a teacher has their path laid down, but it is a long path to walk.

Imagine this: you start as a Teacher I, with the opportunity to aspire for the highest positions. You work hard and soon apply for Teacher II. You already feel tired after the long compliance for the promotion, but then again, you still have a long way to go.

Promotion is not a requirement; if a teacher wishes to stay as a Teacher I, it is up to them. But considering a salary of 14k, it may not meet the demands of the economy.

All these are problems educators have to face just so a student receives the education they deserve. This point of view truly highlights the sacrifices a teacher is forced to make just to keep up with today’s survival.