October 04, 2021 – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones commended teachers for giving learners innovative learning experiences essential for the real world during the virtual kickoff of the 2021 National Teachers’ Month on Monday.

“The Department of Education greets, salutes, honors all our teachers whether they’re in the lowest grades or up to the highest grades in Senior High School. We greet every one of you and express to each one of you our gratitude for your contributions to education,” Secretary Briones said.

“Never let go of our love for our learners, of our continuous search for better ways of teaching, better ways of preparing our learners for the future. Thank you very much,” she added.

With the theme “Gurong Filipino: Katuwang sa Hamon, Kasama sa Pagbangon,” this year’s National Teachers’ Month is a long-month celebration of educators’ relentless spirit amidst the pandemic, which will end on World Teachers’ Day on October 5.

Briones also announced the release of Php 1,000 cash allowance as World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) for all public school teachers for this year.

Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Service Tonisito M.C. Umali, meanwhile, noted that the occasion is an opportunity to revitalize the image and respect for teaching as a vocation and build its image as an attractive and fulfilling profession.

“We also would like to generate widespread support and assistance for our teachers and of course, magpasalamat sa lahat ng kontribusyon o naiambag ng ating pong mga gurong Filipino sa paghubog ng kamalayan at kaisipan ng ating mga anak,” he added.

Hosted by DepEd Region VII, Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez highlighted the vital role of teachers in the education sector during the pandemic.

“Dear teachers, you may not hear it often, but let me remind you of your immense value in this historic chapter of our educational system. You are the moving force that brings light and hope in this day and age when it is seemingly bleak and dark outside,” RD Jimenez said.

In addition, Postmaster General and CEO of Philippine Postal Corp. Norman Fulgencio launched the National Teachers’ Month 2021 stamps as a tribute to frontline education heroes.

“The posting stamp we are launching depicts how educators have eagerly adapted to challenging situations. It shows teachers using technology to cultivate knowledge and enrich student’s mind. This is our own little way of thanking teachers in this National Teachers’ Month,” Fulgencio stated.

Meanwhile, Metrobank Foundation Inc. President Aniceto Sobrepeña announced the awardees for the 2021 Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers, namely Ms. Lou Sabrina Ongkiko, Master Teacher 1 in Culiat Elementary School, and Mr. Jason Albaro, Teacher 3 in Muntinlupa National High School.

END