MANILA, Philippines?To mark the 111th anniversary of Philippine independence, the Department of Education (DepEd) is hiring 9,403 teachers and awarding 4,500 ?emergency employment contracts? for the jobless.

DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said on Thursday that helping generate jobs in a time of a global economic crisis, made ?for practical and significant celebration this Independence Day,? on June 12.

?Employment generation especially among the ranks of educators is one way of giving honor to the country, which has nurtured us,? Lapus said in a statement.

Lapus, co-chair of the national organizing committee of this year?s Independence Day celebrations, said the emergency employment contracts would be given to those displaced by the global financial crisis.

These workers would be given jobs as non-teaching personnel of DepEd offices across the country. Their contracts would last from July to December and include a monthly salary of P9,000, Lapus said.

?While we are improving the efficiency of DepEd-wide systems and processes, we continue to focus on the professional growth and welfare of our teachers and administrative support staff,? he said.

?This year?s celebration is also focused on giving jobs particularly to displaced workers all over the country,? he added.

Lapus said this year?s Independence Day celebration, carrying the theme ?Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan (Bravery, Excellence and Industry Towards Genuine Freedom),? would be celebrated with job and livelihood fairs in different areas.

Free sports activities, film screenings, and cultural performances in the National Capital Region and many historical landmarks in the country, according to Lapus.

Lapus himself will lead the celebrations at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, the site of the country?s first assembly, which drafted the country?s first constitution.

The National Organizing Committee for the celebration is composed of officials from the DepEd, Department of Labor and Employment, Office of the President, Department of Tourism, Department of Interior and Local Government and the National Historical Institute.

Lapus said DepEd has been encouraging teachers to discuss with their students the significant events in country?s history. Essay writing, poster-making and oratorical or declamation contests will be held to highlight the significance of this year?s celebration among the young, according to the DepEd.

He added that DepEd has also been at the forefront of educating the public on the proper use and display of the Philippine national flag and the proper singing and conducting of the Philippine National Anthem as ?vital factors in developing national identity.?