MANILA: The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the establishment of an expanded career progression (ECP) system for public school teachers have been signed on Friday. The ECP system defines two distinct career paths for teachers to pursue: the Classroom Teaching (CT) Career Line or School Administration (SA) Career Line, without prejudice to a teacher's choice in switching career lines during their professional career. 'Today's signing of the IRR of EO (Executive Order) No. 174 sends a powerful message to our dear teachers -that their calls did not fall on deaf ears, that their hard work is recognized, their growth is prioritized, and their contributions are acknowledged,' Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said. Pangandaman led the signing ceremony at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office together with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chair Congressman Roman Romulo, Civil Service Commission Commissio ner Ryan Alvin Acosta, and Professional Regulation Commission Chairman Charito Zamora. She said the signing is a fulfillment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to promote the career advancement of the Filipino educators. Under the CT track, teachers can advance through multiple stages: Teacher I to Teacher VII, and then Master Teacher I to Master Teacher V. As for SA track, teachers holding Master Teacher I positions can advance to School Principal I to School Principal V. Teachers opting this track will transition into leadership and management roles. The DBM said this system seeks to promote and improve the socioeconomic status and career prospects of public school teachers without being compelled to transition to administrative roles. The ECP covers public school teachers within the public basic education system, in all levels from Kindergarten to Senior High School in schools and community learning centers managed by the DepEd. EO 174 shall take effect 15 days upon signing and publicat ion of its IRR in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation. The DBM and DepEd will issue a joint circular that will contain the specific policy guidelines for the purpose. Source: Philippines News Agency