The important role that teachers play in nation-building and youth formation was highlighted during the 2022 National Teachers’ Month Kick-off Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 6 hosted by the Schools Division of Davao Del Norte.
"Katuwang ng pamahalaan ang ating mga guro sa paghubog ng ating mga kabataang Pilipino para makamit nila ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay at maging mga propesyonal at maging produktibong kasapi ng komunidad na magdadala sa bansa sa kinabukasan na hinahangad ng mga Pilipino (Our teachers are partners of the government in molding our Filipino youth to enable them to reach their dreams in life as well as to become professionals and productive members of community who will bring our country a future that every Filipino is dreaming about)," said Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Dutere in a video message during the program at the Davao del Norte gymnasium.
Duterte also commended the teachers' dedication, courage, and professionalism in their chosen path.
Their love for the country, fellow Filipino, and students strengthen the foundation of their profession while their integrity guides their students in reaching their dreams, Duterte added.
Citing that she came from a family of teachers, the vice president mentioned that she knows the struggles and sacrifices that teachers face just to fulfill their duties.
Moreover, Duterte also stressed that teachers deserve the utmost respect for their effort and dedication especially when the country needed the shift to blended learning because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Kenny Allan Benigno, on behalf of Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Alan R. Dujali, gave emphasis to the importance of providing teachers with the needed teaching tools, training, health and wellness programs, and protection.
The teachers, Benigno said, "moved heaven and earth" to transform their classrooms into learning conducive environments by using their own funds before the opening of classes.
Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, Metrobank Foundation President and Co-Chair of National Teacher's Month Coordinating Council Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, and Legislative Affairs and Partnerships Undersecretary Gerard L. Chan, CESO I also delivered their messages for the teachers.
Special song and dance performances were also presented at the event.
In an announcement by DepEd, the celebration of National Teachers’ Month 2022 formally started on Monday, Sept. 5.
With the theme, "Gurong Pilipino, Dangal ng Sambayanang Pilipino," DepEd said that the celebration will last until the National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day celebration on Oct. 5.