PASIG CITY, October 14, 2017 – Anchored on the theme, Gurong Pilipino: Kaakbay sa Progreso, the World Teachers’ Day (WTD) celebration in Legazpi City, Albay on October 5 highlighted the vital role, hard work, and commitment of teachers in developing globally-competent learners, strengthening communities, and building the nation.
During the event, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones reminded the 6,000 educators in attendance of the noble work and contribution of teachers to the world. Among the celebrated “teachers” of their times that the Secretary noted are Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Gautama Buddha, and Jesus Christ.
A teacher herself, and a product of a clan of educators, Secretary Briones challenged the 687,225 teachers all over the Philippines to learn something new every day and become catalysts of change as they inculcate the importance of critical and creative thinking among learners.
“Kung gusto natin matuto ang ating mga learners, kailangan, mag-learn din tayo. Walang katapusan ang learning para sa learners, so wala ring katapusan sa mga teachers,” the Secretary pointed out.
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 Noel Rosal, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, Australian Embassy First Counselor Nigel Bruce, Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña, PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Mr. Joel Otarra, and other private partners.
Other activities that gave teachers a breather from work were cheering competition, Teachers Got Talent, concert, raffle draws, health and wellness booths with free beauty care and massage, and medical and outreach packages.
The occasion was pursuant to the DepEd Memorandum No. 137, series of 2017, or the National Teachers’ Month and National Teachers’ Day/World Teachers’ Day Celebrations.