Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has filed a bill seeking to recognize the invaluable contribution and sacrifices of the country’s education sector by declaring May 16 as World Education Support Personnel Day.

Lapid filed Senate Bill No. 1472 which seeks the observance of the National Education Support Personnel Day, and declaring every 16th of May every year as a special working holiday.

The bill is also in response to the global call to declare the said day as World Education Support Personnel Day in recognition of the rights of education support personnel, their work and their contribution to quality education.

“Dahil kinikilala natin ang kontribusyon ng ating mga Education Support Personnel sa sektor ng edukasyon at sa pambansang kaunlaran, ngayon, higit kailanman, na dapat ipakita ng pamahalaan ang kanyang pagpapahalaga sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng pagtatalaga ng isang araw upang kilalanin at isulong ang kanilang mga karapatan (Since we recognize the contribution of our Education Support Personnel to the education sector and to national development, now, more than ever, the government must show its appreciation to them by dedicating a day to recognize and promote their right),” Lapid explained.

Under the bill, education support personnel (ESPs) refers to education employees working in a broad range of roles and careers across all levels of education in both public and private education institutions, including but are not limited to the following categories:

•  administration and clerical;
•  career guidance and/or counselling;
•  librarian and document management;
•  maintenance and/or skilled trade;
•  food and nutrition;
•  health and welfare;
•  tutoring and/or teaching and learning assistance;
•  security;
•  technology and/or communications support;
•  transport; and
•  specialists support.

Lapid said ESPs strive to improve institutions, communities, and schools across the nation.

“They are essential members of the educational system and have a significant impact on students' lives both inside and outside of the classroom. Our students are kept secure, healthy, and prepared to study every day because of them,” he said.

“Napakalaki ng papel na ginagampanan ng Education Support Personnel (ESP) sa pagsisiguro na makakatanggap ng mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon ang ating mga mag-aaral (ESPs play a huge role in ensuring that our students receive a high quality education),” he said.

He said Filipinos who work as an ESP are also responsible for ensuring the proper service provided by schools and institutions to create a safe and positive learning environment.

“With the size and weight of responsibility held by ESPs, they should only be recognized through various activities that will be done in the celebration of National Education Support Personnel Day,” the senator said.

The measure also designates the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as the lead agencies in implementing and observing the holiday.