DepEd kicks off celebration of National Teachers’ Month

MANILA, Philippines — National Teachers’ Month is a time to thank, celebrate and prioritize the teachers, said Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara.

He was in Cagayan de Oro yesterday for the kick-off celebration of National Teachers’ Month 2026, which started yesterday and will run up to Oct. 5, with the theme, “Teacher, Ikaw Naman.”

In a statement, he thanked President Marcos for all his initiatives to improve teachers’ welfare.

“We thank President Bongbong Marcos for everything he has done for our teachers. If it is possible, our President would give it. That is also the philosophy of the Department of Education: to give what we could give to our teachers,” Angara said.

Addressing recent school safety concerns, the DepEd chief commended teachers for their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile, reinforcing the school’s role as a nurturing environment.

He said, “These times demand a lot from us. We are not only authority figures in schools. We should not forget that we also serve as their second homes,” adding that learners often just need to feel cared for.

“In this age of artificial intelligence, there will never be a substitute for a warm hug, a warm pat on the shoulder or even saying ‘hi’ and mentioning the name of our learners,” Angara added, reiterating that a whole-of-society effort is essential to support both educators and learners.

One of the activities of the celebration was corporate partner McDonald’s Philippines turning over 50 reclassified chairs – school furniture repurposed from retired restaurant assets – to East City Central School, alongside meal donations, interactive exhibits and raffle prizes for attendees.

The program concluded with a special video message from First Lady Liza Marcos who said, “As a teacher myself, I know the sacrifices you go through. I know about the patience, dedication and the heart to teach and inspire your students every day.”

The First Lady thanked the teachers for their unwavering commitment in helping shape the future of the nation.

DepEd had made policy reforms to improve working conditions nationwide, such as under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, where DepEd promoted over 93,000 teachers and school heads and continues to create clearer professional pathways.

To reduce administrative stress, DepEd also slashed required regular school paperwork from 174 forms down to five, allowing teachers to focus on student instruction and mentorship.

Financial and medical benefits were also expanded. Under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, the non-taxable annual teaching allowance doubled from P5,000 to P10,000.

Teachers now also receive an annual medical allowance of up to P7,000, five days of paid annual wellness leave and expanded vacation service credits capped at 30 days per year.