By Merlina Hernando-Malipot Recognizing the “crucial role” that teachers play to make sure Filipino children can contribute to nation-building, the Department of Education (DepEd) urged all schools to conduct activities that will make educators “feel appreciated and honored.” DepEd, together with its partners, recently kicked off the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration at Initao National Comprehensive High School. The NTM is a month-long celebration that aims to honor those who are in the teaching profession and to celebrate the heroism of teachers. With the theme “Gurong Pilipino: Handa sa Makabagong Pagbabago,” this year’s NTM will be celebrated from September 5 to October 5. (DEPED / MANILA BULLETIN) DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Program Management Service Tonisito Umali Esq. and DepEd Region X Director Arturo Bayocot led the NTM celebration’s kickoff program. “Our teachers play a crucial role in making sure that our children grow up to be competent and globally minded nation builders,” Umali said in his keynote speech. “We shall make sure that through this celebration, our teachers will feel appreciated and honored,” he added. Meanwhile, Bayocot added that because of teachers’ heroism, they should be “recognized and honored” every day – especially during the celebration of the NTM and the World Teachers’ Day come October 5. “If I were asked who the heroes are in this country and the world, I would say there are many, but teachers would surely be on top of my list,” Bayocot said. “The teachers are the epitome of passion, love, sacrifice, service, and dedication, to name a few,” he added. Meanwhile, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Joel Otarra also graced the occasion and led the unveiling of the NTM stamps. NTM’s kickoff also formally marked the start of PHLPost’s Salamat Po! Letter Writing Advocacy Program. Now on its 7th year, the nationwide letter-writing contest aims to recognize the invaluable contribution of teachers and is open to all elementary and high school students from private and public schools from September 2019 to March 2020. On behalf of Governor Yevgeny Emano, Misamis Oriental Provincial Board member Gerardo Sabal also expressed the local government’s commitment to continue supporting DepEd programs and activities. This year’s World Teachers’ Day (WTD) celebration – the culmination of the month-long celebration of the NTM – will be held at the Atrium, Limketkai Mall and will be hosted by DepEd Region X, in coordination with the LGUs of Cagayan De Oro City and Misamis Oriental.