By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
As the country celebrates National Teachers’ Day, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday rallied the Department of Education (DepEd) and other concerned agencies to continue improving the quality of education in the country.
Speaking at the “Together4Teachers: Appreciation. Admiration. Approval. Attention” gathering at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Marcos directed DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara to lead the education sector to greater heights and make it more adaptive to the needs of the evolving academic landscape.
“As we lay down the groundwork for a more resilient sector, I enjoin DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, along with our government agencies, to continue improving the quality of education, uphold the rights of our teachers, and adapt to the ever-evolving needs of our academic landscape,” Marcos said.
The President also honored the sacrifices of teachers and their contribution to the country’s development, which he said became more relevant during the recent pandemic.
“To our teachers: Keep shaping our students who will not only face the uncertainties of today, but will also embrace the opportunities of tomorrow,” Marcos said.
“Our future rests in your hands. This Administration trusts that you will help us build the Bagong Pilipinas that we all aspire to achieve,” he added.
He vowed that his administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of teachers as he cited reforms that the government has taken to uplift the morale of educators, including the increase in pay hike, additional chalk, medical benefits, and the removal of their administrative works.
“We are committed to ensuring that you have ample resources to teach—whether by additional materials…and/or reducing non-teaching responsibilities,” he said.
The event served as the culminating activity for the celebration of National Teachers’ Month and is in line with Republic Act 10743 which declares the fifth day of October each year as National Teachers’ Day.