Tributes to teachers have poured in the past weeks in the run-up to the celebration today of the dedication of this special group of professionals. 

Today, Oct. 5, is World Teachers Day, held to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labor Organization (ILO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendation concerning the status of teachers.  It sets benchmarks regarding their rights and responsibilities, and standards for their further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching conditions.

In the Philippines, National Teachers' Day was celebrated on Oct. 3, the culmination of National Teachers Month which opened on Sept. 4.

These special days to honor teachers, one declared by a UN resolution, and the other by Republic Act No. 10743, show the significant role of teachers in society.

President Marcos led the tribute to teachers during National Teachers Day, praising them as vital members of communities.  "Not only will the schools not work without teachers, the community will not function without you."

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara cited the unwavering dedication of Filipino educators: “Always remember the significant role our teachers play in the progress of our nation.”

More than praises, the government has shown its support for teachers through the recent initiatives to promote their welfare. Two of these are the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Expanded Career Progression System, and the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act or Republic Act No. 11997.
The Expanded Career Progression System offers more opportunities for career advancement and professional development. This offers flexibility to teachers to pursue leadership roles and enhance the quality of school management. 

The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, signed in June 2024, grants a teaching allowance to all public school teachers for the “purchase of tangible or intangible teaching supplies and  materials, the payment of other incidental expenses, and  the implementation or conduct of various LDMs (learning delivery modalities) in the total  amount of P7,500 per teacher for School Year 2023-2024; and P10,000 per teacher for School Year 2024-2025 20 and thereafter.”
According to data from a Senate announcement, public school teachers have been receiving a meager allowance for the teaching materials – from P100 in 1988; P200 in 1989-1992; gradually increasing through the years to P1,000 in 2012-2014; to P5,000 in 2021 until the law was passed in June.

While these may not cover all their concerns that would increase benefits, improve working conditions, and especially enhance the educational system, the initiatives show that government is working to address these issues. Government should not stop listening to the voices of teachers who bring to our attention the needs of our educational system.

“Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future by nurturing students and driving educational progress. However, to fully harness their potential, it's crucial that their voices are heard and valued in the decision-making processes that affect their profession. This year’s World Teachers’ Day highlights the need to address the systemic challenges teachers face and to establish a more inclusive dialogue about their role in education. The 2024 celebrations will focus on "Valuing teacher voices: Toward a new social contract for education," the UNESCO said.

We join the world today in celebrating this dedicated people who chose to be teachers.  Thank you for lighting the path to learning, and for believing in the child who steps into your classroom.