PASIG CITY -- With the theme, Gurong Filipino: Katuwang sa Hamon, Kasama sa Pagbangon, the Department of Education (DepEd) honored more than 900,000 Filipino educators and their contribution in learning continuity during the celebration of World and National Teachers' Day on Tuesday. 

During the virtual National Teachers' Day Program hosted by DepEd Region VII, guest of honor and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed his gratitude for the unwavering passion of Filipino teachers to impart knowledge and values to learners.

"Your strong commitment even amidst the challenges of COVID-19 is truly inspiring. I am certain that your hard work will bear fruit and the students will gain the skills and the values they need to become productive citizens," Pres. Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones underscored the important role of teachers in society as she noted that the Department is continuously developing initiatives to champion their welfare.

"Hindi lang tayo love [ng lipunan], we are revered. The greatest religion and political leaders produced by the human race are addressed and revered as teachers," Secretary Briones said.

"As we honor our teachers and recognize their services, we will continue to strive to provide them with more benefits, we negotiate for them, we always place them as the in foremost place and throne of the altars of our objectives in education," Sec. Briones added.

The education chief then recited the poem of Dr. Jose Rizal titled "Education Gives Luster to the Motherland," "Wise education, vital breath inspires an enchanting virtue; she puts the Country in the lofty seat of endless glory, of dazzling glow, and just as the gentle aura's puff do brighten the perfumed flower's hue: so education with a wise, guiding hand, a benefactress, exalts the human band."

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Dr. Prospero De Vera III, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Dr. Isidro Lapeña, and Education committee chairperson in the Congress Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Cong. Roman Romulo likewise greeted Filipino educators on their outstanding work despite the pandemic.

Attended by more than 500,000 teacher-participants in public and private schools, the program also featured Filipino teachers who were cited by international and national award-giving bodies.

Undersecretary Tonisito Umali Esq. thanked DepEd's guests, partners, stakeholders, and participants for supporting the School Year 2021-2022 and the activities for the National Teachers' Month 2021.

"Tayo po ay muling magtatagumpay ngayong taon dahil walang kaduda duda dahil po sa inyo, mga pinakamamahal naming mga guro. Kayo po ay lagi naming katuwang sa lahat ng hamon at ang aming kasama sa pagbabago," Usec. Umali said. (DepEd)

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