CELEBRATING WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY
Over a decade ago, the United Nations Education and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) dedicated every 5th of October for the celebration of World Teachers’ Day.
In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the National Teachers Day Coordinating Council and the National Teachers’Month Coordinating Council, kicked-off the National Teachers’Month from September 5 to October 5, with the latter date being observed as the National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day.
This year, the celebration followed the theme: “Gurong Pilipino: Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko” to honor the country’s teaching force for all their efforts and sacrifices for their students.
In the region, DepEd Central Luzon led by Regional Director Beatriz Torno held the regionwide launching of the Teachers’ Month celebration on September 10, and was followed by other activities for the month-long celebration.
Several local government units in the province, upon the encouragement of the DepEd, have also joined the month-long celebration and have organized program to fete the educators for their significant participation in the community-building.
DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said in a statement that the National Teachers’celebration puts to limelight the crucial role, loyal service, and dedicated commitment of teachers in developing globally competitive learners, strengthening communities, and building the nation.
“Through this occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dearest teachers who treat learners as their own children, who devote themselves to the lifelong mission of combatting illiteracy, and who work above and beyond the call of duty,” Secretary Briones was quoted as saying.
Indeed, the country’s teaching force is worth celebrating. The special month and day dedicated for us once in a year remind us that we are appreciated and in return, we are offering our whole-hearted service for the youth, who are expected to take our reigns, or other bigger positions in the near future.
The author is Teacher
— oOo—
III at Alauli Elementary School