Palma greets educators on World Teachers’ Day

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma bestowed his blessing on the 689 educators and greeted them joyfully when he officiated a Mass during the World Teachers’ Day celebration on Oct. 5 at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

In his homily, Archbishop Palma gave his appreciation to the teachers led by DepEd Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia and Assistant Regional Director Carmelita Dulangon for attaining the goals of the department.

In line with the theme “My teacher, my hero,” Palma outlined the crucial responsibilities of educators. He said teachers serve as role models for the students.

“Teachers should bear all the odds brought by their profession, for after all, they are called by God to deal with the children,” he said.

He encouraged the teachers to be the best “role models” in knowledge, skills, attitude and values as demonstrated by Jesus Christ when He was doing His ministry on earth with His disciples.

Borgonia was delighted by the presence of Archbishop Palma.

“We, in the Department of Education-Region 7, are privileged to have with us our Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, despite his busy schedule,” Borgonia said.

Joining Palma in the concelebrated Mass  was Msgr. Fred Kriekenbeck, Vicar General of Cebu,  who spoke about “God, the foundation of our values and the norm of excellence.”

In the afternoon, the top educational performers were presented with awards of recognition. The top five performing elementary schools were Tabunok Elementary School in Sogod town, northern Cebu;  Marangog ES in Bogo City, Cebu;  Catigbian ES in Buenavista, Bohol;  Quinoguitan ES in Loboc, Bohol; and Caduawan ES in Tabogon town, northern Cebu.

The top five performing high schools were Cebu City National Science High School in Cebu City;  Siquijor Science HS (Tambisan NHS) in Siquijor, Siquijor; Tanjay City Science HS in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental; Siaton Science HS in Siaton, Negros Oriental; and Mandaue City NHS in Mandaue City, Cebu.