TEACHERs were asked to use their influence to “evangelize” students by imparting positive values that would make them better persons.
In a homily to mark World Teachers’ Day at the Ecotech Center yesterday, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma thanked Cebu teachers for their sacrifice and cited their growing role in influencing the character of their students.
Palma recounted his experiences as a student who had to walk to school in barangay Hinalunan, Iloilo.
He said his teachers inspired him to continue learning something new.
“In the heart of every student who can look back in gratitude, you are in the picture,” he told the teachers.
Palma said teachers should be holistic and educate their students not only on academic subjects but about values as well.
He said teachers can help steer the youth away from crime and drug use.
“You are evangelizers as well. When you do your job, you make the community a better place to live in,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 300 teachers and students gathered at the Fuente Osmeña circle to mark World Teachers’ Day.
They marched from Cebu Normal University in Osmeña Boulevard up to the Fuente Osmeña Circle to press their demand for bigger government subsidy.
Rep. Antonio Tinio of the partylist Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said he asked Congress to approve a proposal to raise the salaries and allowances of teachers and government employees.
Tinio urged the Department of Education to stop recruiting volunteer kindergarten teachers and hire them as regular employees instead.
“These volunteer teachers are just paid P3,000 to P6,000 a month. Our teachers are underpaid but overworked,” he told reporters. With Correspondent Edison delos Angeles