DepEd salutes Filipino teachers, celebrates World Teachers’ Day

The Department of Education (DepEd), together with education partners, celebrates the 2014 World Teachers’ Day, October 4 held at the Victorias Sports and Amusement Center in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

DepEd salutes the teachers for recognizing the unwavering service and commitment of more than 660,000 Filipino teachers in strengthening communities and building the nation.

The event aimed to culminate the month-long celebration with festivities to express the education agency’s sincere gratitude for teachers’ important role in revolutionizing the educational reform efforts of the department.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC underscored the great responsibility of every teacher in preparing the Filipino youth to be better equipped for the world.

“If all the teachers in the country start to move as one, we will start the biggest revolution in education,” Luistro said.

“If we want to transform our country, we need living heroes. Marami sa ating teachers ang bayani na.” He related the stories of Teacher Lorna and Teacher Evangeline, who both acted beyond the call of duty to protect learners in the darkest of times.

Luistro highlighted the big heart of teachers during calamities, saying that their role in disaster risk reduction management is proof of their willingness to surpass the call of duty. “Every day that you spend in your classroom is living heroism,” he added.

He commended the strength and dedication of the Filipino teachers not only in ensuring the safety of the learner but also in healing them through education.

“The best lesson that a teacher teaches our children especially in the darkest of times is to smile.”

“We hope to give emphasis on your efforts, our dear teachers, all throughout the country in your everyday battle inside and outside the classroom. Each day you stand in front of the students is another day of taking on the challenge of eliminating illiteracy and ignorance among the minds of the Filipino youth. As you teach them every day, you empower every learner and ignite within them the aspiration to achieve greatness—not only for themselves but also from others.”

Senate President Franklin Drilon

Senate President Franklin Drilon, a proud Negrense, said, “World Teachers’ Day is our collective expression of our appreciation for your outstanding service.” He expressed his admiration for teachers who continue shaping young minds of the country. He underscored their important role in influencing the kind of citizens the country will have. “Do not underestimate your part in building this nation,” he said.

“I am a proud product of public schools. Whatever I achieved in my life, I owe to my teachers who inspired me to serve [the public],” Drilon said.

Victorias City Mayor Francis Palanca welcomed teachers from Regions VI, VII, VIII who attended the grand celebration. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “If we become successful, it’s because of you. You are our heroes.” He added that teaching is not only a profession but also a way of life.

“Walang naging mayaman sa pagiging guro pero mayaman tayo sa pagbibigay ng inspirasyon at pag-asa sa bayan,” Randy Halasan, 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardee said in his inspirational address.

The celebration of World Teachers’ Day was attended by 7,500 teachers and administrators from Regions VI, VII, and VIII. Among the attendees were District III Negros Occidental Representative Alfredo Benitez, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon, Metrobank President Chito Sobrepeῆa, Philippine Post Master General Josie dela Cruz, DepEd Undersecretary for External Linkages and Partnerships Mario Deriquito, Bato Balani Foundation awardees, and 2014 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers awardees.

Here are some pictures during the great celebration of World Teachers' Day.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon

Metrobank President Chito Sobrepeῆa