Grig C. Montegrande/Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday vowed to continue improving the quality of education after he led the advanced celebration of National Teachers Day with 10,000 teachers in Quezon City.
“It’s because of your passion, your innovation, unwavering dedication that I hold the firm belief that despite odds, we will push forward,” Marcos told the teachers gathered at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The event was the culmination of National Teachers’ Month which will end on National Teachers’ Day on Saturday, the end of the monthlong celebration meant to celebrate dedicated and hardworking teachers who rarely complain despite the low pay and challenges they face every day.
READ: Manila suspends classes for Teachers’ Day celebration
The President was accompanied by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos as guest of honor along with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and NTM Coordinating Council chair and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.
In his speech, the President assured teachers that he would continue to improve their lot in recognition of their sacrifices despite limited resources from the government.
Shared commitment
“It is not just a recognition of our teachers’ dedication, but also a testament to our shared commitment to empowering our educators,” he said, adding that supporting teachers is one of his key priorities.
He called on Angara to “continue improving the quality of education, uphold the rights of our teachers and adapt to the ever-evolving needs of our academic landscape” as part of laying the groundwork for a more resilient sector.
“To our teachers: Keep shaping our students who will not only face the uncertainties of today, but will also embrace the opportunities of tomorrow,” the President said.
During this year, Marcos said he signed the implementing rules and regulations of Executive Order 174, on the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers.