More than 900,000 Filipino educators and their contribution in learning continuity amidst the pandemic were honored and recognized during the celebration of World Teachers’ Day (WTD) on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

With the theme, “Gurong Filipino: Katuwang sa Hamon, Kasama sa Pagbangon,” the Department of Education (DepEd) led this year’s WTD celebration which also coincides with the National Teachers’ Day (NTD) and the culmination of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM).

This year’s virtual National Teachers’ Day Program was hosted by DepEd Region VII.

President Duterte, who serves as the guest of honor, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering passion of Filipino teachers to impart knowledge and values to learners.

“Your strong commitment even amidst the challenges of COVID-19 is truly inspiring. I am certain that your hard work will bear fruit and the students will gain the skills and the values they need to become productive citizens,” Duterte said in a recorded message.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, on the other hand, underscored the important role of teachers in society.

“Hindi lang tayo love , we are revered,” she said. “The greatest religion and political leaders produced by the human race are addressed and revered as teachers,” she added.

Recognizing their contribution to nation building, Briones said that DepEd continuously develops initiatives to champion their welfare.

“As we honor our teachers and recognize their services, we will continue to strive to provide them with more benefits, we negotiate for them, we always place them as the in foremost place and throne of the altars of our objectives in education,” Briones said.

During the virtual program, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Dr. Prospero De Vera III, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Dr. Isidro Lapeña, and Education committee chairperson in the Congress Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Cong. Roman Romulo also greeted Filipino educators on their outstanding work despite the pandemic.

Attended by more than 500,000 teacher-participants in public and private schools, the program also featured Filipino teachers who were cited by international and national award-giving bodies.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Tonisito Umali Esq. thanked DepEd’s guests, partners, stakeholders, and participants for supporting the School Year 2021-2022 and the activities for the 2021 NTM which started on Sept. 5.

“Tayo po ay muling magtatagumpay ngayong taon dahil walang kaduda duda dahil po sa inyo, mga pinakamamahal naming mga guro (There is no doubt that we will succeed again this year because of you, our dearest teachers),” Umali said, noting that teachers have always been a partner of DepEd in overcoming challenges in the education sector.