MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assured the public that the House of Representatives will sustain the funding for 20,000 new public school teaching positions in the 2026 national budget and beyond, following the Marcos administration’s full allocation for these posts under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The initiative, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and supported by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, aims to address the long-standing shortage of classroom teachers and boost job creation, particularly in rural areas.

“All 20,000 new teaching items are about changing lives,” said Romualdez. “Each position filled means a teacher in front of students who need guidance, and a Filipino family with a new source of income, dignity, and hope.”

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), funding for the new positions will come from the DepEd’s Built-in Appropriations under the “New School Personnel Positions” program for FY 2025.

Romualdez emphasized that the House will not only protect the current allocation but will also ensure its continuity in future budgets, as part of its commitment to long-term education and employment reform.

“We thank the President for championing this initiative. This is what leadership looks like: one that understands the future begins in every classroom,” he said.

He also praised Secretary Angara for his “hands-on approach and vision,” which he said is rooted in Angara’s years of work on education policy.

The 20,000 new teaching posts are expected to benefit education graduates, many of whom are still waiting for their first job, while strengthening public school systems in far-flung and underserved areas.

“This is not just an education initiative. It’s also a bold job-generation program,” Romualdez said, noting that the creation of permanent government positions will positively impact local economies and communities.

Romualdez said the House will closely monitor the hiring process to ensure speed, transparency, and merit-based deployment, especially in high-need barangays.

“Our goal is not just to fill slots. We want to deploy mentors who are committed, competent, and ready to serve,” he added.

The Speaker also reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting people-first policies under the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda, vowing to champion both the right to education and the right to work.

“Each teacher we hire is a nation builder,” Romualdez said. “With the President’s guidance and Secretary Angara’s leadership, the House will keep fighting for every Filipino child’s right to learn and every Filipino graduate’s right to work.”