Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads series of events in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) led a series of engagements across Cebu on Monday, highlighting education reforms, tourism development, disaster recovery initiatives, and preparations for a major international summit.

During four separate events in the province, the President presided over the mass oathtaking of newly promoted teachers, inaugurated a major convention facility, inspected post-earthquake learning spaces, and launched a government service caravan aimed at supporting local communities.

The visits underscored the administration’s push to strengthen the education sector, boost tourism infrastructure, and ensure learning continuity following last year’s earthquake in northern Cebu.

Oathtaking of newly promoted teachers

Speaking at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City, President Marcos congratulated more than 3,300 newly promoted teachers and school heads from 44 municipalities in Cebu Province.

The ceremony forms part of the government’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for public school teachers, a reform aimed at addressing long-standing delays in teacher promotions.

“This promotion sends a message of hope and inspiration to thousands of teachers and principals who aspire to follow in your footsteps,” Marcos said.

He noted that, under the old system, teachers often waited 10 to 20 years to move from Teacher I to Teacher III, with some waiting decades for further promotion.

To address this, the government institutionalized the Expanded Career Progression system in September 2025, creating new ranks such as Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V to VI, as well as additional positions for school principals.

Marcos said nearly 19,500 teachers and school heads across the country had already been promoted between August 2025 and February 2026 through the reclassification process.

“Kung dati may pangamba kayo na matatapos ang mahabang panahon ng serbisyo na hindi kayo mapo-promote, ngayon mas malinaw na ang landas ng pag-unlad sa inyong propesyon,” he said.

The President also highlighted other government initiatives supporting teachers, including the creation of more than 61,500 teaching positions since 2022 and the hiring of thousands of administrative personnel to ease teachers’ non-teaching workload.

    He also confirmed the full release of the ?10,000 annual teaching allowance beginning last school year.

     In a separate interview, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said that, for 2026, DepEd has allocated ?6 billion to cover the promotion of 100,000 teachers nationwide.

   Angara, who attended the mass promotion ceremony, said the promotion of these teachers marked a decisive end to the systemic promotion delays that have long plagued the country's education system.

     “Before we reached this point, the system was outdated, and it seemed that they didn’t properly evaluate who should be promoted. We are now catching up on promotions, which is why some teachers who have served for one, two, or even three decades have not been promoted before,” Angara said.

   “The focus is especially on those who have long remained in the Teacher I position, ensuring recognition for their tenure and contributions. Promotions are not only financial, but they also reflect professional growth, acknowledging the teachers’ dedication and achievements,” he added.

   Promotions bring higher salaries, benefits, and increased retirement payouts. Angara noted the program is sustainable as long as the budget allows and will continue throughout PBBM’s term.

   “Teachers deeply appreciate the President’s support, as he personally values education, following the legacy of his family. He believes that teachers are the driving force of the education system,” Angara said.

Learning continuity spaces in Bogo City

     Earlier in the day, the President inspected newly constructed Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) at Marcelo B. Fernan–Polambato Elementary School in Bogo City.

    The modular classrooms were built following the devastating September 2025 earthquake that damaged several schools in the province.

    Each LCS unit costs approximately ?1.65 million and can accommodate up to 40 students. The classrooms are equipped with steel structures designed to withstand extreme conditions, along with solar power supply, internet connectivity, and comfort rooms.

    Marcos interacted with students and teachers during the visit and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted learning even during disasters.

    The President also led the rollout of the Yakap at Kalinga Caravan, which provides health and community services to students, teachers, and residents.

Mactan Expo Center inauguration

    In Lapu-Lapu City, President Marcos inaugurated the newly built Mactan Expo Center, a modern convention facility developed by Megaworld Corporation inside the Mactan Newtown township. The facility will serve as a key venue for the upcoming ASEAN Summit in May 2026.

    The President said the convention center will help strengthen Cebu’s role as a major tourism and events destination. “Facilities such as this are an encouraging sign. I am excited to explore more ways to elevate Philippine tourism,” Marcos said.

    He revealed that the project was accelerated after discussions with ASEAN leaders highlighted the need for a large venue capable of hosting high-level meetings and delegations.

    Marcos also praised the partnership between the government and the private sector in completing the project in time for the regional summit. “This will be remembered as a landmark facility not only for Cebu, but for the entire Philippines,” he said.

   Joining the President in the event were Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Ahong Chan, and Kevin Tan, CEO of Alliance Global Group.

    In his speech, Tan said the project was born from the President’s vision after seeing how other countries use convention facilities to promote destinations and attract global attention.

    Tan said their conversations led to the idea of building a similar venue in Mactan, which emerged as a strategic location because of its proximity to the airport, hotels and accommodations capable of hosting major international events.

    He recalled that when he first presented the plan, Marcos had only one reaction: “It’s not big enough.”

    That challenge, Tan said, pushed the team to scale up the project and move forward with a bigger and more ambitious venue.

     Tan said the Mactan Expo Center is designed to host large-scale international conferences, exhibitions and conventions, while opening new opportunities for tourism, business and investment. “This place is here because of your vision, your leadership, and your belief in what this area can become,” Tan told the President.

    He also described the expo center as proof that government and the private sector can work together and deliver something meaningful and lasting.

President inspects serbisyo hub

   The President also inspected the Bagong Pilipinas eGovPH Serbisyo Hub in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

  The eGovPH Serbisyo Hub serves as a one-stop government service center where citizens can access various services from different national agencies in one location.

  Through digital integration, the hub allows Filipinos to process government transactions more efficiently, including registrations, document requests, social services, and other public services. The facility is part of the national government’s push to accelerate digital transformation and streamline public service delivery.

Praising Cebuano hospitality

    Throughout his visit, the President repeatedly acknowledged the warmth and hospitality of Cebu’s residents, saying the province continues to represent the best of Filipino culture. “Daghang salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap,” Marcos said.

    He added that Cebu’s beauty, tourism infrastructure, and welcoming people make it an ideal destination for international visitors.

    With the ASEAN Summit approaching, Marcos said the country aims to showcase not only its infrastructure and economic potential but also the talent and hospitality of the Filipino people.

    “We have the Filipino smile. That is something everybody appreciates,” the President further said. (CEBU NEWS)