Luistro: Thank you, teachers

Education Secretary Armin Luistro. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines—Education Secretary Armin Luistro on Friday urged Filipinos to “look kindly at our teachers and give them the recognition they deserve” as he led some 5,000 educators from all over Mindanao in celebrating the 2012 World Teachers’ Day at the Lim ket Kai Center here.

“All of us were once students and we all had at least one teacher who have made a difference in our lives and to whom we owe who we are today,” Luistro said in his speech, which he started with the words “thank you” addressed to the teachers.

The event was the biggest celebration the Department of Education (DepEd) held in recognition of the educators, who displayed their heroism here during the onslaught of Tropical Storm “Sendong” in December 2011.

“The teachers were really instrumental in helping the children during the Sendong tragedy. We are very honored to be recognized for our heroism,” said Maricel Saga, assistant principal of the City Central School.

According to public school teacher Romeo Balandra, the involvement of teachers in the students’ lives in the aftermath of Sendong was proof that teachers were willing to sacrifice their lives for them.

“The gathering was also an opportunity for all of us to be together again,” added Elena Borcillo, Schools Division Superintendent, who was happy to reunite with her fellow Sendong heroes.

President Aquino III has declared Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 as National Teachers’ Month (NTM) through Presidential Proclamation No. 242.

The NTM seeks to empower Filipino teachers by engaging the public in creating a strong movement that cultivates a Filipino culture that celebrates the service and heroism of all teachers.

Luistro said the DepEd is continuously working on the financial upliftment and profession advancement of public school teachers. Cai Panlilio, Inquirer Mindanao