An easily clutched system is a weak system. Despite the constant affirmation by Bryan Cariaga, the Chief of Curriculum Implementation, in a press conference that the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System does not ensure automatic promotion and easier advancement of positions. Ironically, not only it does ensure automatic promotion, but it also exhausts an overworked educator.

Through Department of Education Order No. 24, S. 2025, the ECP was launched this August for public school teachers and Master Teachers. Tied to this are its objectives to be merit-based, expand positions to fill, and ensure stability for the educator.

An issue slips in when we see that this system does not have a concrete wall for workers to challenge in order to break through. Come to think of it, teachers applying over and over again seems like an exhaustion for their part.

In an interview, Cariaga laid down the standards for promotion: an educator’s goal performance, with additional points if the teacher has taken a master’s or doctorate degree. In contrast, the standards before required making an action research, receiving awards, and appropriate coaching. 

Seeing the difference, the standards became low, and the wall grew weak. Leaving this progress will create an image that teachers inadvertently run toward promotion easily without much effort—only by being active.

Cariaga added that several reports from teachers have surfaced with regard to the system's complicating application due to an insufficient dissemination of details. For a system that's putting weighs off from an educator's shoulder, it seems like DepEd is adding up loads by being short of information.

Considering that positions have expanded and slots are now open, DepEd should have been stricter with the standards whilst consistent being with their announcement. 

A salary will vary on each position an informed teacher takes on, so the wall for them to challenge must be mightier and harder.  After all, it is the quality they seek.