DepEd-NCR holds World Teachers’ Day celebration in Pasay

DepEd Assistant Secreatry Tonisito Umali represented Briones during Monday’s observance. (Photo courtesy of Laguna School Systems)

MANILA— More than 5,000 elementary and high school teachers attended the advance celebration of the World Teachers’ Day organized by the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City Monday.

World Teachers’ Day (WTD) is being observed every Oct. 5 to create awareness and appreciation to the vital contributions of teachers in the society.

DepEd told the Philippine News Agency that NCR held the celebration in advance so as not to interfere with the schools’ WTD observance on Wednesday, and also with the celebration the agency has prepared in Albay.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier stated that President Rodrigo Duterte might attend the celebration in Albay on Wednesday.

The DepEd-NCR teachers as well as some of their students showcased their talents through performances they have prepared.

A dish gardening competition was conducted, while a bazaar was also mounted for the attendees.

DepEd Assistant Secreatry Tonisito Umali represented Briones during Monday’s observance.

It may be recalled that Briones, for her part, encourages teachers to be an example to their students.

“We have to be creative, think out-of-the-box. If we want to encourage them to learn, we should learn continuously. If we require them to read, we should also read and carry a book in our bags,” she told teachers during the First National Assembly of Education Leaders held recently in Manila.

During the assembly, Briones emphasized that as teachers, they don’t just instruct students what to do, but ensure that they make the students realize that they are good leaders, setting as an example.

The agency organized the First National Assembly of Education Leaders to provide teachers an avenue to strengthen their skills as public servants.

As it was attended by hundreds of educators, directors, assistant directors, division superintendents, division chiefs, supervisors and school heads from different regions, Briones also pointed out that educators should be able to teach students to respond to change, to ask questions and find solutions.

“Teach them courage,” she said.

Meanwhile, it may also be recalled that during the launch of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) last September, Briones cited that the agency is currently studying some non-monetary benefits that it can give to the teachers.

“We’re looking at health benefits,” she remarked.

The NTM is being observed in the country from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242.

This aims to honor the teachers and acknowledge their role and commitment in nurturing the students.