The National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 marked 14
years of bringing Filipinos together to pay tribute to educators nationwide.
The campaign is guided by the theme “I teach for a better future” in the bid to highlight the teachers’ role in honing and empowering the youth who are the future of the nation.
This annual tradition is led by Metrobank Foundation, the Department of Education (DepEd), and a steadily growing consortium of committed organizations collectively called the NTM Coordinating Council.
They are driven by the framework of 4As of gratitude namely attention, appreciation, admiration, and approval.
NTM has sustained its growth over the years with the support from the government, business, academe, media, civil society and other industries.
In 2011, the Presidential Proclamation No. 242 was issued “declaring the period from 05 September to 05 October of every year as National Teachers’ Month.”
Then, in 2016, the Republic Act. No 10743 pronounced October 5th of every year as National Teachers’ Day.
“Selflessness is the love language of our teachers. They have the best interests of their students at heart and therefore always go the extra lengths to be agile in meeting their diverse needs. We witness first-hand their immeasurable heart and creativity as they ignite the love for learning among students,” said Aniceto Sobrepeña, MBFI president and NTM Coordinating Council co-chair.
“Seeing the hard work and passion of teachers nationwide animates the celebration of the National Teachers’ Month. The knowledge and values they impart, combined with the patience and understanding they extend to learners on a regular basis, are some of the things that merit gratitude,” he added.
The power of saying “thank you”
Throughout the month, the various activities organized by partner organizations, exclusive treats offered by participating establishments, and multimedia content published in line with the campaign served as this year’s expressions of gratitude for teachers.
Among those that provided opportunities for personal and professional development through webinars and virtual workshops were BDO Foundation, SEAMEO INNOTECH, Synergeia Foundation, and PLDT and Smart Communications, among others.
Some of the organizations also arranged specialized events and initiated multimedia campaigns. These were Aboitiz Foundation, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, City Savings Bank, Girl Scout of the Philippines, GMA Network, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Philippine Postal Corporation, and TELUS International Philippines.
Meanwhile, several companies and establishments nationwide offered special treats and discounts to show solidarity for teachers.
Apart from fostering a culture of saying thank you, the NTM has also become a catalyst to raise public consciousness about teachers’ welfare and the status of education in the country.
It seeks to provide a platform for stakeholders to address teacher needs as well as highlight the significance of public-private partnership in teacher support and development.
On October 5, the National Teachers’ Day celebration also marked the culmination of the National Teachers’ Month.
Anchored on the theme “Gurong Pilipino, Dangal ng Sambayanang Pilipino,” the event was hosted by DepEd Cordillera Administrative Region at Abra Sports Complex in Bangued, Abra.
It was streamed live on DepEd Philippines’ official Facebook page.
