PASIG CITY –In celebration of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) and in recognition of their exceptional and selfless endeavors in the field of education, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) honored four teachers included in the 2017 Outstanding Filipinos during a press conference on September 8 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office.
The four teachers awarded are Jennifer Rojo (Neogan Elementary School, Tagaytay City); Edgar Elago (Magallanes National High School, Agusan del Norte); Esperanza Cabrera (De La Salle University, Manila); and Alonzo Gabriel (University of the Philippines, Quezon City). Each awardee received P1 million in cash, a medallion, and a specially designed trophy.
DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones noted the similarity of the four teachers on how they relate and communicate with their pupils: “Whether they are teaching Science, or whether they are teaching at the higher level Microbiology, or keeping food clean and secure, you could see, obviously, the chemistry between them and their students. That is the very quality that we want all our teachers to develop.”
Briones also urged all teachers to continue capacitating themselves and learning new things which they will impart with their students. “We want to teach our children to think creatively, to respond to change, to ask questions, to be critical, to find solutions because the world is changing very, very fast,” she stated.
“We also encourage and challenge them to continually keep up with the world, to continually keep up with the competition from other countries. Keep up with all that is changing, all that is new. And most important, to teach them courage,” Briones added.
Joining Briones were DepEd Assistant Secretaries Tonisito Umali, Nepomuceno Malaluan, and G.H. Ambat; DepEd-External Partnerships Service (EPS) Director Margarita Ballesteros; and Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Assistant Postmaster General for Marketing and Management Support Services Luis Carlos.
Other highlights of the event were the ceremonial unveiling of PHLPost stamp, which features an illustration of Filipino teachers and their students in costume of their chosen profession, and the signing of the official first day cover (FDC). PHLPost issues the stamp to celebrate the unique role and service that teachers play in strengthening communities and building the nation.
Partners in honoring teachers
Briones expressed gratitude for the flood of support given by partners to honor teachers for their crucial role, loyal service, and dedicated commitment: “We want to generate widespread support and assistance for teachers and express gratitude for the positive influence of teachers on Filipino learners.”
Among the regular partners of DepEd also present during the press conference were Edric Calma of Knowledge Channel; Mike Cabigon of British Council Philippines; Mario Deriquito of BDO Foundation; Ma. Agnes Aragon of BDO One Network Bank; Bishop Nestor Serrano and Augustine Cabana of Champions Alive Foundation; Mary Ann Serrano of Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED); Mario Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom; Rod Cornejo of Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC); and Jason Parafina of SEAMEO INNOTECH.
Some of the treats being offered to teachers on NTM are:
- Star City – 50% off on ride-all-you-can tickets for a teacher and one companion (September 3 to October 3)
- Manila International Book Fair –free entrance (September 13 to 17)
- Enchanted Kingdom – P700 only for Park and Agila Ticket with free EK souvenir (September 1 to 30)
- Festival Mall and its participating merchants – various treats and discounts
- Cultural Center of the Philippines – 20% discount on all the Pista Rizalina shows (September 8 to 24)
- Privato Hotel – special exclusive package in celebration of National Teachers’ Month
- Museo Pambata – free art workshop (September 23)
For the complete list, visit the NTM Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NTMPhils/.
Furthermore, Umali gave an overview of the treats to be offered on October 5, the culmination of the month-long celebration for teachers.
“Just like last year, we expect more or less 5,000 to 6,000 teachers going to Legazpi City at marami po tayong mga hinanda sa araw ng selebrasyon natin…We will have booths to pamper our teachers. We will have booths offering freebies to our teachers… Pinarami, pinalawak at pinalakas pa po natin ang pagpapatupad ng araw ng mga guro sa ika-limang Oktubre,” he shared. | DepEd
