World Teachers' Day observed on Oct. 5

MANILA, Philippines –  At 10:05 a.m. on Oct. 5, school bells all over the world would be sounded to signal the World Teachers’ Day celebration.

At this time, all teachers nationwide will take a break from their classroom duties to allow the performance of a unique classroom program.

In line with the Teachers’ Month Campaign and World Teachers’ Day Celebration, the Department of Education (DepEd) has started conducting various activities to honor Filipino teachers nationwide.

The DepEd issued Memorandum 352 in joining the rest of the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day on Oct.5.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro called on the support of all private and public elementary and secondary schools to give recognition to Filipino mentors who hold one of the biggest responsibilities in our society of molding the mind of future generations of Filipinos.

“Oct. 5 is a day to honor our teachers who play a critical role in guiding our children and in providing them life-long learning,” Luistro said.

To prepare for this special occasion, the Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC) was established in 2008. It is spearheaded by the TMC Council of Leaders and Steering Committee composed of representatives from key business and academic institutions and private education organizations.

Government agencies also support the occasion to contribute to the growth and development of the teaching profession in the country, as well as to publicly express recognition and appreciation to teachers and mentors.

With the theme, “My Teacher, My Hero,” this year’s Teachers’ Month Campaign was launched during the Awarding Ceremony of the 2010 Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers on Sept. 3.

Luistro stressed the need to acknowledge the efforts of our modern-day heroes.

“Our teachers are the provider of education which is one of the basic rights of our children. And despite facing various obstacles that test their creativity and patience, they steadfastly stand by their commitment to give their mentoring best,” Luistro said.

“Our own version of TMC aims to generate widespread awareness and support for World Teachers’ Day. This occasion allows us to acknowledge the unique role teachers play in guiding families, strengthening societies and building nations,” Luistro said.

TMC will revitalize the image of teaching as a vocation by increasing public awareness on the value of teachers in Philippine society and national development.

It will also articulate the accessibility of a career in teaching by outlining available scholarship grants and school subsidy programs.

Through this celebration, various establishments would also give value added services or discounts to active and retired Filipino teachers.

As part of the activity, students are encouraged to say “Thank you” to at least one teacher who has made a difference in his/her life. Students are encouraged to write a letter or send a card to their teacher.

“Saying ‘thank you’ is just our simple way of giving back to our teachers who have touched our lives in one way or another. If we consider overseas Filipino workers as our modern-day heroes, we should also do the same for our teachers. We should have a ‘Mother’s Day’ type of celebration but on a grander scale,” Luistro said.

All DepEd divisions will mobilize the community and commercial establishments in paying tribute to teachers by giving them discounts or freebies or even special promos for teachers for a particular period during the month leading to Oct. 5.

All regional directors, schools division superintendents and school heads are encouraged to actively lead all activities for the Teachers’ Month Campaign and World Teachers’ Day.