This is the heartwarming moment a student cut her hair short to celebrate passing her licensure exam.

Teacher Chiela Mae promised herself she would chop off her locks if she obtained her educator license in Batangas, the Philippines.

Footage shows Chiela Mae sitting on a salon chair and holding a pair of scissors, measuring how short she would snip her hair on December 15.

She was teary-eyed while smiling before finally cutting five-inches long and putting the strands on the table.

She said: 'When I was checking the results, my name did not appear at first because the website was very slow. I was crying. I thought I failed.

'Then my friends sent me a photo showing my name in the list. I was so happy. I went to the salon to fulfill my promise to myself that I would take it as a new start.'

The Philippines has a significant number of teachers across various educational levels to serve its large and growing student population. However, challenges like teacher shortages persist despite this substantial workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

This issue is exacerbated by the increasing trend of Filipino teachers seeking opportunities abroad including the U.S., attracted by better salaries, benefits, and working conditions in other countries.