MANILA, Philippines - Lorna Tolentino paid tribute to the unsung heroes of our land — the teachers — when she graced a special occasion put together by PLDT and Smart Foundations’ Gabay Guro program led by Chaye Cabal recently at the SM Mall of Asia.
“Aside from imparting to children the knowledge needed to win the battles in life, teachers guard our votes during elections, look after our welfare in times of tragedy such as during the recent typhoon, and are even there for us for the simplest of tasks, such as in helping us tie our shoelaces or cross the street the very first time we try to do these things. Teachers are our second parents, our home away from home, our everyday unsung heroes. We could never repay them for all that they do,” she said.
The Gabay Guro program empowers teachers by enhancing their skills through seminars and workshops, providing them with financial opportunities through grants and making them feel appreciated.
Started last year to coincide with National Teacher’s Day, PLDT Foundation recently selected teachers from different regions in the country for activities that involve attending seminars, shopping, a set visit to a popular TV show, dining and partying at exclusive restaurants and bars and pampering.
The activities were held from Oct. 7 to 11. More than a hundred teachers, most of whom were flown in from the provinces, congregated in Manila. Upon arriving, they were billeted in a hotel, treated to a sumptuous dinner and were versed on the itinerary.
Day Two, Oct. 8, had the teachers attending the Creative Teaching & Learning Techniques seminar by Deng Kibanoff. The night was spent at Jill’s in The Fort Strip where the teachers let their hair down with celebrity friends of PLDT — Gian Magdangal and GMA Artist Center’s ramp and commercial model Rey Talosig and Cory Quirino.
The next day, Oct. 9, the teachers had a session with motivational speaker Larry Esguerra. This was followed by a visit to Ocean Park then a tour of select establishments inside SM Mall of Asia. These included stops (and pampering) at Flawless, Mossimo, David’s Salon, IMAX and the Science and Discovery Museum.
Lorna welcomed the teachers and helped give out goodie bags and gift certificates. She also acceded to an autograph signing and picture taking session. Dinner was at Bucharest Restaurant.
The fourth day was yet again spent with celebrities. The teachers went to Broadway Centrum to experience watching live Eat, Bulaga!. They were brought to Citybest Restaurant for lunch where they were also given certificate of attendance and gift packs from Sisters Feminine Napkins and Panty Liners.