The role of teachers in society, especially in nation building, cannot be over-emphasized, no matter if it is said over and over. It was said again early this week by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara during the opening of National Teachers Month on Sept. 5.
“You are the foundation of our nation, and no progress is possible without our teachers,” he said.
The teacher is an important citizen. From teaching the young the basic concepts of reading, writing, and math, the teacher molds a future citizen’s process of thinking, decision making, and compassion. Very often, the teacher goes out of her or his way to help a student beat difficult circumstances to be an achiever. Sometimes that even involves helping the student financially.
There are many stories in books, movies and conversations about teachers from those they encouraged and inspired to become business and political leaders. And there will always be listeners for such stories whose successes are measured by the people who become successful career professionals and the country’s leaders.
As many stories paying tribute to teachers will be told again this month, it will likely be the cards of appreciation from students that will encourage teachers to go on doing what they do, despite the challenges of the career, among them low pay and heavy workload.
The ceremonies that started the month-long celebration of Teachers Month will roll out various activities dedicated to appreciating educators' hard work, dedication, and influence in shaping the nation’s future under the theme “Together4Teachers.”
As teacher organizations have repeatedly said, “praises are not enough” to show appreciation for teachers. These should be supported by government action.
Angara, who was appointed DepEd Secretary last July, assured the teachers that “we are listening to you” and will address their problems.
He shared some good news: Public school teachers, as well as non-teaching personnel, will receive salary increase differentials; the teaching allowance will be tax-free and will be effective this year; the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Expanded Career Progression System signed in July will enhance career growth opportunities for public school teachers.
Public school teachers can look forward to less tasks – and more time to focus on teaching –as Angara said there will be hiring of additional administrative staff in schools.
More good news for teachers announced by the Education Secretary will be the release of a medical allowance as announced by President Marcos recently; and the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for 2023 and 2024. Angara said the MATATAG curriculum implementation will be “relaxed” following complaints.
The IRR of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act which grants up to ₱10,000 allowance to public school teachers, was signed in August. “The teaching allowance is granted for the purchase of tangible or intangible teaching supplies and materials, payment of incidental expenses, and the implementation or conduct of various learning delivery modalities. It shall be considered as an outright expense.”
“This is just the beginning,” Angara said. President Marcos recently gave DepEd many instructions to improve schools, provide computers, and equip Filipino students with modern technology, among other things.
DepEd, in partnership with the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC), celebrates National Teachers Month every year from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5, following Presidential Proclamation No. 242.
Let this year's celebration of National Teachers Month inspire our teachers to carry on their vital tasks with faith and enthusiasm.