LAOAG CITY — In time for the National Teachers’ Month celebration, around 5,000 teachers from the 21 towns and two cities of the province gathered Tuesday at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, this city for a simple tribute to all educators.
After a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag, a simple program and electronic raffle draws followed suit in honor of teachers.
“Teachers are probably the most underappreciated sector in the society. They sacrifice so much, yet they receive so little. You all deserve a day and a month of appreciation,” said Senior Board Member Matthew Joseph Manotoc in a short speech during the Oct. 2 province-wide celebration for Ilocos Norte teachers.
As chairperson of the committee on education, Manotoc assured of his full support to the education sector as he cited the Ilocos Norte government’s continuing efforts to promote quality education by expanding its scholarship programs for students and teachers, payment of public schools’ utility bills, distribution of books and school equipment among others.
Raised by a teacher himself, Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo Marcos expressed his high regard for teachers as the noblest profession.
The Vice Governor’s mother, Fortuna Marcos-Barba was a public school teacher.
Themed “Gurong Pilipino:Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko,” the celebration aims to honor those in the teaching profession, acknowledge their loyal service and commitment in developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities and building a nation.
In Ilocos Norte, the fun-filled activity hopes to revitalize the image of and respect for teaching as a vocation through public awareness on the value of teachers and their role in the society.
As per Proclamation No. 242 signed in August. 24, 2011 by then President Benigno S. Aquino III, Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 every year has been declared National Teachers’ Month.
The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization also declared Oct. 5 of every year as “World Teachers’ Day.
An awarding ceremony for outstanding teachers in the province is set on Oct. 5. (PNA)
