PASIG CITY, September 29, 2016 – To express the education sector’s appreciation for the important role of teachers in implementing the educational reforms in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to have two simultaneous celebrations for those in the teaching profession on Friday, September 30, 2016.

These events are in observance of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM), and will be held at the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, and at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, hosted by the DepEd Region XI and DepEd National Capital Region (NCR), respectively.

Host regions have prepared various activities that will make these celebrations a memorable one for those in the teaching profession. These include performances from celebrities, students, and teachers; raffles and games; and Teachers’ Got Talent competition, among others.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones expressed her sincere gratitude for teachers’ unwavering commitment to and service in strengthening the community and building the nation by enhancing the learning capabilities and protecting the welfare of learners.

“Being a teacher in itself is already a tremendous job. Teaching with unwavering commitment despite the odds is a true service to the country,” Briones said.

Also, DepEd NCR Regional Director Ponciano Menguito said that this joyous celebration for teachers is a way of appreciating their deeds and efforts in shaping global-minded learners.

“Ang mga programa ng DepEd ay hindi magkakaroon ng kabuluhan at hindi maisasakatuparan kung wala ang ating mga guro,” Menguito said.

“Alam natin na hindi madali ang maging isang guro. Sila ay nagpapakasakit at nagsasakripisyo upang mahubog ang kahusayan ng mga mag-aaral. Kaya itinuturing natin ang mga guro na mga buhay na bayani,” he added.

The NTM celebration carries the theme Guro: Kabalikat sa Pagbabago, to acknowledge and emphasize the crucial role and value of teachers in the Philippine society. Aside from being a time to pay tribute to educators, the National Teachers’ Month is also an occasion to build the image of teaching as an attractive and fulfilling profession, and to generate widespread support and assistance for teachers.

These efforts are pursuant to the DepEd Memorandum No. 139, s. 2016 or the 2016 National Teachers’ Month and National Teachers’ Day/World Teachers’ Day Celebrations which is available online at http://www.deped.gov.ph/memos/dm-139-s-2016.