CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 5, 2019 – Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242 declaring the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as the National Teachers’ Month, and Republic Act. No. 10743 declaring the 5^th of October every year as the National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day as designated by United Nations Education and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), the Department of Education (DepEd) and the city government of Cagayan de Oro paid tribute to thousands of teachers at the Limketkai Atrium.

Anchored on the theme “Gurong Pilipino: Handa sa Makabagong Pagbabago,” the event aims to recognize the unparalleled contributions of educators not only nationally, but also globally. It also aims to revitalize the image and respect for teaching as a vocation by increasing public awareness on the value of teachers in the Philippine society.

“We have to teach our learners to adapt to change. There are many exciting things waiting for you, many innovations, many new ways of looking at things, many sources of knowledge, please take advantage of what these innovations can give us,” Briones stated.

Speaking before thousands of teachers in attendance, the Education chief announced significant developments and good news on teachers’ compensation and benefits: P1,000  incentive benefit for all teachers and teaching-related personnel positions to be given not earlier October 5 of this year; P3,500 cash allowance; recognition of all teaching-related personnel such as guidance counselors, nurses and engineers for their merit, exemplary performance, and achievements; merit-based promotion for entry-level teaching positions; advanced teaching and information technologies and innovations such as 21^st century classrooms and AI computers; transformation of National Educators’ Academy of the Philippines (NEAP); and the Last Mile Schools Program.

“Sinasabi nila na masama ang dynasty pero ang teacher dynasty ang pinaka-magnificent, pinakamahusay at pinakamalaking kontribusyon sa ating bayan,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones remarked.

Other activities included raffle draws, health and wellness booths, medical and outreach packages, and performances by celebrities like Kyla, Klarisse de Guzman, Mico Aytona, and Dan Ombao.

Almost 100 participating partners also gave tokens of gratitude to teachers during the month-long celebration.

Also in attendance were DepEd’s Executive Committee, Regional Directors, Bureau and Service Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, Schools Division Superintendents, school heads, host city Mayor Oscar Moreno, Misamis Oriental Representative Rufus Rodriguez, PHLPost Master General CEO Joel Otarra, Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) President Aniceto Sobrepeña, and other private partners.

The celebration was made possible through the External Partnerships Service-Special Events Unit (EPS-SEU) under the leadership of the Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and Project Management Service Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., in cooperation with the National Teachers’ Day Coordinating Council (NTDCC), the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC), education stakeholders, and partners.

END