TEACHERS: To Those Who Brought Us Here Today
Taking a deep breath before entering the classroom despite the exhaustion, exuding confidence and showing a smile on their face in preparation to educate the future generation. Today, we celebrate WORLD TEACHERS DAY to honor our passionate and dedicated teachers. Truly, our teachers fill us with love, kindness, and optimism, making our world a better place for all of us.
Written by: Aira Mae I. Lao
Layout by: Ian Kervin Sullano
October 6, 2023 | 1:00 P.M.
Every September 5th to October 5th, the Philippines celebrates National Teachers Month. A month to acknowledge one of the key contributors of shaping the foundations of society, teachers and educators alike. It all started when President Elpidio Quirino signed Proclamation no. 409 on September 14, 1953. It stated, “I, Elpidio Quirino, President of the Philippines, do hereby declare the second week of September of each year as “Education Week”, during which period vital information about the objectives, work and accomplishments of the public and private schools may be disseminated among the people," based on the Official Gazette of the Philippines. Decades later, on August 24th, 2011, President Benigno Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 242 series of 2011 declaring September 5th - October 5th every year as National Teachers Month with National Teacher’s Day being on October 5th as declared by Republic Act 10743 of 2015.
This year’s theme is “Together4Teachers” initiated by the Department of Education last September 5, 2023 at the Bohol Wisdom School in Tagbilaran City. The theme for this year's celebration aims to highlight the excellency and greatness of Filipino teachers to help shape and build a nation of patriotism and faith. Besides honoring those in the teaching profession, the month-long celebration aims to acknowledge and emphasize on the importance of the teaching role in communities and the nation, especially the loyal service and commitment they show in helping develop important aspects of society.
Amidst the global pandemic that changed the system of education, teachers stood firm in their mission to educate and guide their students through various modalities of teaching and learning. From online classes to modular learning, educators strived to help their students learn no matter the cause. This was only one of the great sacrifices teachers throughout Philippine history have made. Even in the midst of colonization, the Filipino language did not disappear through the dedication of educators despite the risk it posed on their lives. Similarly, teachers helped shape the voice of a nation who struggled under various colonial and dictatorial regimes.
It can be said that at any point of history, teachers helped the nation persevere. If it were not for the encouragement and support of educators in schools, the future of a nation would never reach its full potential. From the blood, sweat, and tears that they sacrifice to understand concepts to teach everyday just to show up to class with confidence and a smile on their faces, teachers make being a part of a community significant. They change our lives and shape the future of each nation.
The role of a teacher and educator could be bestowed unto anyone. However, the key difference between what makes a teacher different from the rest is the dedication, commitment, and the heart that they pour out in their work. Education may have the chance to change anyone, but the teacher has the power to turn them into someone.