‘I Teach, That’s my Superpower!’ 2019 National Teachers’ month

Taking off from its milestone 10th year in 2018, the 2019 National Teachers’ Month (NTM) brings the spotlight back to the teachers — the modern-day superheroes whose extraordinary work empower diverse learners and help shape an excellent nation.

The NTM movement started in 2008 when former Education secretary and currently De La Salle Philippines president Br. Armin Luistro approached Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña and proposed the idea of a month-long observation to heighten public consciousness and participation in the World Teachers’ Day celebration every Oct. 5. Other organizations were then invited to lead the celebration, then dubbed as the Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC).

What began as a simple idea in 2008 has evolved into a movement that strives to pay tribute to the nation’s educators. Over the past decade, the campaign has become a multi-sectoral movement — specifically engaging sectors which work closely with teachers. The movement has also seen growth in numbers, eventually becoming the nationwide celebration it is known today.

Since its inception in 2008, NTM marked several milestones: in 2011, Presidential Proclamation No. 242 was signed, formally declaring “the period from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Month.” With its issuance, TMC formally became National Teachers’ Month.

Five years later, Republic Act No. 10743 was signed, formally designating Oct. 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Day. TEACHERS’ TREATS

A highlight of the annual NTM celebrations is the Teachers’ Treats offered from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5. Throughout the month, teachers get to enjoy exclusive treats and discounts at various establishments nationwide. Some of the participating establishments include Jollibee, McDonalds, The SM Store, SM Cinema, SM Foodcourt, Cabalen, Power Plant Mall, Santolan Town Plaza, Sambokojin, DADS World Buffet, and Executive Optical. Merchants like Zalora, Figaro, Soban, and Saboten also offer discounts on select products for every use of Metrobank Card.

Various amusement parks like Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna and Anjo World Theme Park in Cebu offer special rates for teachers as well. Local establishments all over the country are also taking part in the celebrations, offering free upgrades and special discounts for teachers upon presentation of their valid faculty ID or PRC licenses.

2019 NATIONAL TEACHERS’ DAY

With DepEd taking the lead, NTM’s culminating activity will be held in Cagayan De Oro City. Teachers from Mindanao will be gathering at Limketkai Event Center on Oct. 5 for a day of entertainment and paying tribute to the country’s educators. This will be the second time the city is hosting the NTD celebrations.

This year’s NTD theme is “Gurong Pilipino: Handa sa Makabagong Pagbabago.”