CEBU - The teachers came in floral outfits, but there were no flowery words from Cebu City Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña, who congratulated them for what they have done so far and expressed the city’s continued support during yesterday’s Teachers’ Day celebration.
The 5,000 teachers, who gathered at the grand ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, were supposed to hear the mayor’s message via teleconferencing, but this had to be shelved as he was very sleepy.
The mayor’s message was instead taped and played to the teachers.
Councilor Gerardo Carillo, chairman of the Cebu City Council Committee on Education, said that Osmeña was already very sleepy. The mayor is now in the United States for treatment of the cancer of his urinary bladder.
Osmeña said that the city will continue to give financial assistance to the Department Education such as providing trainings for the teachers.
Lorna Rances, Cebu City Schools Division superintendent, said that there is strong reason to honor the teachers especially the retirees.
Those who are still in the profession are encouraged to continue their pursuit of providing quality education as proven in the recent National Achievement Test results.
“With all of the teachers concerted efforts, public education in the city will be its primest in the next years to come,” Rances said in her welcome message.
The theme of this year’s celebration was “Magtutudlo: Hiyas Mo, Kalampusan Ko.”
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her message in the souvenir program, said that education is a crucial factor in our goal of attaining sustainable development and winning the way against poverty.
The President is encouraging the teachers to work conscientiously and continuously upgrade their standards in the light of new challenges and advancing technology.
“Teachers, your competence and commitment provided not only a steady support in the youth but an assurance to the government that education of the country is at its best,” the President said.
Carillo said that the teachers’ work do not stop after giving lectures and assignments, but transcends boundaries of ignorance and illiteracy, as the teachers add colors to the students so that “we may live our lives to the fullest with great pride and sense of fulfillment.”
DepEd officer-in-charge Recaredo Borgonia said that this event is very appropriate way of recognizing these men and women who have shown dedication and commitment in shaping the future of our youth.
Fourteen teachers from the elementary and secondary division were given awards for 40 years of service.
Twenty teachers in both levels also received recognition as retirees.
Superintendent’s Awards were given to Salustiano Jimenez and Gregorio Cyrus Elejorde.
Awards were also given to top performing schools in the National Achievement Test for Grade III. The recipients were Budlaan, Dr. Emilio Osmeña, Adlaon, Busay, Banawa, Punta Princesa and Tabunan.
Awardees as high performing schools in the NAT for grade VI are Bagong Lipunan, Bulacao, Buhisan, Talamaban, Dr. Emilio Osmeña, Mangabon, Sawang Calero, Adlaon, Banawa, Pulangbato, San Nicolas, Camputhaw, Labangon, City Central, Guadalupe, Regino Mercado, Cambinocot, Bo. Luz, Sibugay, Pardo Extension, Cantipla, and Budlaan.
While the top schools in the NAT for second year high schools are Binaliw, Pardo, Camp Lapulapu, Vicente Cosido, Tejero and Camp Lapulapu Night School. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)