“Salamat, Ma’am at Sir” should be the resounding message of the nation during the National Teachers’ Month celebration from September 5 to October 5, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DILG Undersecretary Austere A. Panadero says local government units (LGUs) should take the lead in ‘promoting a culture of gratitude to teachers” who can be considered as heroes themselves for nurturing the minds of the youth and future leaders of the country.
“Teachers cultivate knowledge and inspire their students to think creatively. They plant the seeds of innovation and change, the key ingredients for our nation to continue to move forward and soar high,” says Panadero.
“With their great contribution, they could be no less than heroes for helping build our nation,” he adds.
The annual celebration of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) from September 5 to October 5 and the National Teachers’ Day on October 5 is mandated pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242 and Republic Act No. 10743, making the Philippines the holder of the longest festivity for teachers.
One of the highlights of this year’s NTM is the nationwide “National Prayer for Teachers” and “Ringing of Bells” which will be done as one nation at exactly 10:05 am on October 5.
In a directive, Panadero says LGUs may organize programs that will honor teachers in their respective communities through special presentations and messages from students and other concerned groups.
Local governments may also encourage commercial and retail outlets in their areas to offer discounts/freebies or special promos for teachers, or come up with special “Thank you, Teacher,” merchandise during the month.
Other similar activities are sponsoring training programs, seminars and conferences and encouraging radio and television stations to feature the National Teachers’ Month in their shows.
For details about the NTM, LGUs may get in touch with the NTM Secretariat of the Metrobank Foundation. ###
