CEBU, Philippines - Educators from the Division of Cebu City were honored in the Annual Teachers Day held at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday which was attended by over 4,000 teachers and school administrators.
Eleven teachers received the Elementary Teacher Service Award for their 40 years in service, another two for the Secondary Teacher Service Award for the same length of service, 18 for the Elementary Teacher Retirees category, and five for the Secondary Teacher Retirees. Each of the awardees received a plaque of recognition.
Dr. Luis Derasin, chairman of the media committee, said that the gathering was aimed at giving honor to elementary and secondary public school teachers whose public service is “commendable and noteworthy”.
He said that the city government is proud to have teachers who can also serve as an inspiration to those who aspire to become public servants.
“Talagsa ra kayo na mahatagan og igong pagtagad ang atong teachers, mao na dapat gyod na i-recognize sila,” he said.
Mrs. Visitacion Tabares, 61 years old, a master teacher 1 from Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School said that as an elementary teacher retiree, she is grateful that teachers are given “due recognition.”
She said that the recognition gives teachers a reason to be more dedicated as educators.
As for Mrs. Editha Co, 63, from Abellana National School, she said that with the annual awarding of teachers, many educators will be more inspired to “master their craft” in the field of teaching.
For Joy Augustus Young, city consultant on education, he expressed that the event was conceptualized to bring a local counterpart of the National Teachers Day.
“Before, the salary of the teachers ranged from P3,000 to P5,000 a month…it is but appropriate to raise the bar of our teacher as unsung heroes of our time,” he said.
He added that the awards may serve as an inspiration to the future educators.
The gathering was also attended by Mayor Tomas Osmeña who served as guest speaker.
“Si Ma’m, Si Sir: Giya sa Kabataan, Hiyas sa Katilingban” was the theme of the event. — Marjun A. Baguio (THE FREEMAN)