For many Filipinos, a good education is golden. It represents a key – for many, the only key – out of the locked chains of poverty.
Good education would, however, remain far-fetched if not for the school’s greatest asset: teachers. Remove them from our schools and the significance, impact, and worth of education would be gone. This appreciation for their crucial, yet often overlooked role is at the heart of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) movement.
NTM began in 2008 through a campaign launched by former Education Secretary and De La Salle University president Bro. Armin Luistro, together with Metrobank Foundation Inc. president Aniceto Sobrepeña.
The idea was simple: to celebrate teachers and their profession, much like how we celebrate Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day.
In 2011, Presidential Proclamation No. 242 was signed, formally declaring “the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Month.”
Every year, from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5, Filipinos are encouraged to thank their teachers – the unsung heroes of their communities – through various nationwide activities that honor and recognize their contributions.
The year 2016 marked a milestone for the movement with the passage of Republic Act No. 10743 designating October 5 of every year as “National Teachers Day”. Since 2008, Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) has led a multi-sectoral group in paying tribute to the Filipino teacher.
This year, more organizations and establishments have gone onboard the NTM celebrations – offering treats, discounts, and freebies to teachers.
A big “Thank You Library” was also mounted during the fair, where visitors wrote their special “Thank You” messages dedicated to their teachers. Students, professionals, and even teachers stopped by to write and take photos.
Over the years, the National Teachers’ Month has gone beyond mere festivities. The movement has become an advocacy of uplifting the teaching profession through its support in teacher development.
This year, GSIS in collaboration with National Museum, Department of Education, Metrobank Foundation, Museo Pambata, and CCP – held the 5th run of the Alternative National Conference Workshop last Sept. 28-30 with the theme “Developing 21st Century Skills: Arts- and Culture-Based Learning Resources”. The three-day experiential learning workshop focused on teaching history through the visual arts; using film as a medium to facilitate meaningful discussion; and utilizing public spaces like museums to engage learners in fostering a deeper appreciation for our heritage.
National Teachers’ Month culminates every October 5, National Teachers’ Day, which UNESCO also declares as World Teachers’ Day. Around 6,000 teachers from Regions IV-A, IV-B, and V are expected to take part in the festivities which will be held in Legazpi City. The Department of Education leads the annual National Teachers’ Day celebrations.
The Philippine STAR is an official participating partner for National Teachers’ Month. For more information and updates on National Teachers’ Month, visit www.facebook.com/NTMPhils.