PALO, Leyte – The celebration of the 2018 World Teachers Day kicked off here as Eastern Visayas played host for this year’s month-long event to honor those in the teaching profession.
Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali led the opening at the McArthur Park on Thursday night.
“People working at the education sector must celebrate World Teachers Day by heart and not because of compliance,” Umali said.
He cited the extra efforts of some teachers who showed exemplary dedication in their chosen job by crossing rivers and trekking mountains for several hours to fulfill their teaching duties.
“We hope this effort will be recognized not only during World Teachers Day, but every day,” Umali added.
The celebration of World Teachers Day, with the theme “Gurong Pilipino: Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko” runs from Sept. 5 to October 5.
The main event will be held in Ormoc City on Oct. 5, which would be attended by more than 6,000 participants from 17 DepEd regional offices.
“Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez graciously offered their city as the host. Aside from that, we also wanted to hold the event here because it will symbolize their recovery from the calamities they suffered and that they can host a national event like other cities in the country that have not experienced the way Ormoc has suffered calamities,” Umali said.
DepEd invited President Rodrigo Duterte to the culmination of the event, but there is still no confirmation if the Chief Executive would be able to attend the celebration.
Celebrating National Teachers Day every Oct. 5 is mandated under Republic Act No. 10743 or “An Act declaring October 5 every year as National Teachers Day”.
The law was approved on Jan. 29, 2016 and it will be the second time for DepEd to celebrate the national event since the law was passed.
Last year, the National Teachers Day celebration was held in Albay.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding, and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.
This event was first observed on Oct. 5, 1994 to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations are met by teachers. (Roel Amazona/PNA)
