By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reinforcing the administration’s firm support towards the men and women who devote their lives teaching students with values, skills, knowledge, and wisdom, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the culminating program of the 2026 National Teachers’ Day Celebration on Monday.
The event opened with a lights and sound performance showcasing the wonders of Philippine folk dance and culture through colors that pierced through the darkness of the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
This was followed by the keynote speech of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, as well as an audio-visual presentation compiling the students’ messages of fervor to their teachers and a live performance of some educators on stage.
Speaking before approximately 10,500 teachers from Regions I-V, Cordillera Administrative Region, and National Capital Region, President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his support for the education sector, which was the recipient of the largest budget allocation in 2026.
“Para po sa inyo, ang pagtuturo ay isang bokasyon. Sa araw-araw ninyong paggabay sa ating mga mag-aaral, pinipili ninyong magbigay nang higit sa hinihingi sa inyong mga tungkulin.”
He went on to share some initiatives geared towards reducing the workload of teachers, which include reduction of paperwork and classroom observations, as well as promotion through the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.
As of press time, over 80,000 teachers and school heads rose up the ranks—providing them with renewed opportunities to grow in their chosen profession.
Other support systems in place for educators include the medical allowance, World Teachers’ Day incentive benefit every 5th day of October, and a performance-based bonus for 2024. (with report from Kenneth Paciente | PTV News)
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