DepEd secures promotion of 914 school leaders in major step toward ‘one school, one principal’

 

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MAKATI CITY, 30 March 2026—The Department of Education (DepEd) has secured the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reclassify 914 pending applications for School Principal positions.

The milestone marks a significant advancement in DepEd’s efforts to address the nationwide principal shortage and strengthen instructional leadership in public schools.  

The approval, which covers pending applications of Head Teachers, Assistant School Principals, and Teachers-in-Charge (TICs), was made possible through the strong collaboration between DepEd led by Secretary Sonny Angara, and the DBM under Acting Secretary Rolando U. Toledo.  

This development directly supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare and professional growth of educators and realize the “one school, one principal” (1:1) policy.  

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to uplifting the welfare and professional development of our teachers and school leaders,” Secretary Angara emphasized.  

“This approval brings us closer to our vision of ensuring every school is led by strong instructional leadership that supports quality education for all learners,” he added. 

The approval recognizes the critical roles performed by TICs and other on-stream candidates who have long managed school operations by virtue of designation, often without compensation commensurate with their heavy responsibilities.

DepEd underscored that this development is a significant step toward addressing the long-standing shortage of principals nationwide. 

It also reinforces the Department's commitment to strengthening career progression pathways and ensuring that qualified educators are promoted in a timely and equitable manner.   

Moving forward, DepEd will continue to work closely with the DBM and other stakeholders to sustain reforms that promote professional growth, enhance instructional leadership, and ultimately improve the quality of basic education across the country.  

Angara challenges Class of 2026 to sustain resilience beyond graduation

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MAKATI CITY, 30 March 2026—Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday challenged graduates nationwide to maintain their spirit of resilience as they transition out of the basic education system, as nearly 48,000 public schools hold their end-of-school-year (EOSY) ceremonies.



In his message for the graduation and moving-up ceremonies, Secretary Angara reminded the graduating batch that their ability to overcome setbacks will be their most critical asset in the face of future trials.

“As we conclude this school year, we do more than close a chapter. We honor the strength that carried our learners, teachers, and families through months of hard work, sacrifice, and hope,” he said.

Angara emphasized that while academic competence is a prerequisite for higher education or employment, it is the discipline, compassion, and inner strength forged in school that define long-term success.

“You stayed the course and learned to rise after setbacks. That resilience will matter far beyond the classroom,” Angara stressed.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has set EOSY rites in public schools on March 30 or 31, directing schools to keep ceremonies simple, meaningful and free from unnecessary expenses amid rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict.

This year’s graduating batch includes around 1.9 million Grade 6 learners and 1.8 million Grade 12 learners from both public and private schools.

This year’s EOSY theme, “Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character,” aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to nurture learners who are not only academically prepared but guided by integrity and a sense of responsibility to serve others.

In his message, Angara also credited the community of support behind the learners, thanking parents and teachers as the backbone of every learner’s success.

“Behind every learner’s success stands a community. To our teachers, thank you for teaching not only lessons but courage. To our parents and families, your support made every achievement possible,” he said.

The 2026 graduation cycle takes place amid significant reforms in the basic education sector, including the sharpening of the Revised K to 10 Curriculum and the strengthening of Senior High School pathways during School Year 2025-2026.

DepEd has also prioritized the rollout of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program to address learning gaps, alongside the enhanced support and promotion for teachers.

A Symphony of Joy: Easter Reimagined at SM Supermalls

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The air is thick with anticipation and the vibrant hum of celebration as SM Supermalls transforms into a sprawling, multi-sensory playground this Easter season. From the heart of Manila to communities across the country, the nation’s most loved mall is beckoning families to step into a world where tradition meets high-tech adventure and culinary excellence.

Running until April 5, this is not merely an event; it is a meticulously crafted experience designed to bring communities together through the magic of shared moments.

The Grand Spectacle: Activities That Ignite the Imagination

Easter at SM is a whirlwind of color and motion. The malls have been reimagined as vibrant landscapes, offering a lineup of activities that cater to every passion:

The Easter Parade & Mascots: Watch in wonder as beloved characters come to life in festive parades. Families can dance along and interact with mascots, soaking in a cheerful atmosphere that vibrates through the halls of select malls.

The Easter Runway Costume Contest: This is the moment for young stars to shine. Children and families are invited to don their most creative outfits—from classic bunny ears to avant-garde Easter attire—for a chance to strut the runway and win exciting prizes.

Easter Eggventure Game: Embracing the future, SM introduces a high-tech twist to a classic tradition. Participants can embark on a digital egg hunt by searching for hidden QR-coded eggs that unlock points and rewards via the Play at SM website.

Easter Art Lab: For the young visionaries, the Art Lab provides a sanctuary of creativity. Here, children can paint and craft, transforming their ideas into colorful keepsakes to remember their day.

Bunny Photo Corners: Every corner is a potential memory. Vibrant setups filled with pastel hues and playful props offer the perfect backdrop for that quintessential family portrait.

A Feast for the Senses: Destination Dining

No celebration is complete without a culinary journey. SM Supermalls hosts a curated selection of dining spots perfect for refueling after a morning of egg hunting:

Ninepot Taiwanese Hotpot

Authentic, customizable sets with rich, flavorful broths perfect for group sharing.

Mak’s Noodle Hong Kong Classics

Signature thin egg noodles and comforting broths for a quick, satisfying meal.

Osteria Antica Rustic Italian

An elevated experience featuring refined dishes like Pompano Al Forno.

Mamou Steakhouse

Hearty steakhouse favorites and rich sides for truly special occasions.

Hoshino Coffee Japanese Elegance

Hand-brewed coffee and fluffy soufflé pancakes to end the day on a sweet note.

Honoring the Essence of the Season

Beyond the parades and the prizes, SM Supermalls remains a place for reflection. For families seeking to honor the deeper meaning of the holiday, select malls will host an Easter Sunday Mass on April 5. It is a dedicated time to pause, give thanks, and find a quiet moment of peace amidst the festive excitement.

Whether you are there for the thrill of the digital hunt, the elegance of a refined Italian feast, or the simple joy of a child’s laughter in the parade, SM Supermalls is the definitive destination to make this Easter truly unforgettable.