INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday thanked educators for imparting the values of excellence and hard work to their learners, as he called for efforts to advance inclusive education that will help all learners be the best versions of themselves.
The President made the appeal in his message for National Teacher’s Day on Saturday.
“We acknowledge our educators all around the world for imparting the values of excellence and hard work among our students and nurturing them to become the best versions of themselves,” Marcos said.
He added: “As we face the pressing challenges of our time, I ask everyone to channel our effiorts toward advancing inclusive education that facilitates success for all learners.”
Signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2011, Proclamation No. 242 designated Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 each year as “National Teachers’ Month.”
In 2015, Congress passed Republic Act. No. 10743, declaring Oct. 5 every year as National Teachers’ Day.
Earlier this week, Marcos and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the festivities for National Teacher’s Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
In his message for National Teacher’s Day posted on Facebook, the President cited the role of teachers as second parents to students in molding them into future leaders, changemakers and nation-leaders.
Indispensable role
“They play an indispensable role in preserving our country’s democratic values and way of life not only as stewards during elections but also as influencers of the younger generation,” Marcos said.
He said the government will continue to honor teachers’ sacrifices through policies and reforms in the education sector, such as the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act that hiked the teachers’ allowance to P10,000 a year, personal accident insurance and special hardship allowances.
“This administration also pursues initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of our teachers through various professional development and career advancement opportunities so that they can be at par with their international counterparts,” the President added. INQ