It's Teachers' Month!

Maricel C. Magbanua

Last Saturday, September 5, marked the official start of the National Teachers’ Month Celebration which will end in time for the opening of classes on October 5, this year.

Themed “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future,” the whole country observes this special month for our educators for their significant contribution in molding the youth to become contributors to nation-building.

In the official Facebook Page of the NTM, it says, “as the whole nation transitions into the new normal, we find our teachers at the center of challenge and innovation. We thank you, our dear teachers, for your heroism and continuous dedication in nurturing minds and guiding all learners. You inspire us to do our part in creating a better future for all Filipinos”.

It can be recalled that in 2008, inspired by the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5 of every year that was declared by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in 1993, Br. Armin Luistro F.S.C., then President of De La Salle Philippines together with Metrobank Foundation Inc., President Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña spearheaded the Teachers Month Campaign (TMC), in recognition of Filipino teachers and educators and their contribution in shaping the country’s future leaders.

It was in 2011 and 2012 that served as banner years for the campaign as President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Presidential Proclamation 242, declaring “the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Month.”

Thus, the campaign is re-launched as National Teachers’ Month (NTM), this time with an NTM Coordinating Council at the helm, co-chaired by former DepEd Secretary Luistro and former Cabinet Secretary Sobrepeña.

The Council is composed of various government agencies, educational institutions, private companies and non-government organizations, all sharing the advocacy of appreciating teachers through various unique initiatives.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, we salute our teachers as superheroes who protect and take care of our youth and children!

--oOo-

The author is Teacher III at Macapagal Village Elementary School