Each year, from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5, the Philippines observes National Teachers’ Month (NTM) — a 30-day celebration of the invaluable contributions of Filipino educators in shaping minds, communities, and the nation’s future. Culminating on Oct. 5, which is also World Teachers’ Day, this national observance reminds us that teaching is not just a profession — it is a lifelong mission.

The Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the National Teachers Day Coordinating Council (NTDCC) and the National Teachers Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC), is leading the celebration activities “to honor and celebrate those in the teaching profession and to acknowledge and emphasize their crucial role in building a nation.”

The National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC), a project of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), is focusing on the theme “My Teacher, My Hero.” The NTMCC is a growing consortium of partners from government, civil society, academe, business, and media.

As government and private organizations conduct their own tributes to teachers, at the heart of the celebration is a powerful reminder — that our teachers are not only educators, but nation builders, often working behind the scenes, sometimes with little recognition or support. The Council’s theme “My Teacher, My Hero” seeks to shine a spotlight on their quiet heroism, their unwavering commitment to serve, and their vital role in guiding learners through the uncertainties of today’s world.

The celebration reaffirms the importance of returning to the core of the advocacy: honoring teachers as heroes who not only teach, but inspire greatness, instill values, and ignite dreams. And these heroes need support, that is why this month-long tribute matters.

To structure this advocacy, the NTMCC encourages everyone to embrace the “4 A’s of Gratitude” starting with appreciation, recognizing the educator’s essential role in nurturing learners and shaping communities. Then, there’s the pillar of “admiration” – celebrating their resilience, passion, and lifelong dedication. The third is, “approval” – affirming the teaching profession as a pillar of national development. And the fourth, “attention,” is giving teachers a platform to be heard, supported, and uplifted.

These pillars provide a roadmap for meaningful engagement throughout the celebration.

Individuals, organizations, schools, and communities can bring the 4 A’s to life in practical, heartfelt ways. Here are a few meaningful ways to pay tribute to our teachers this month:

Recognize teachers in events to honor outstanding educators in their communities. Share their stories through social media to amplify the voices and experiences of teachers.

Create a “Thank You Teacher” campaign where students and alumni share how a teacher changed their lives.

Beyond symbolic gestures, advocate for structural reforms, for better working conditions, fair compensation, and continuous training for educators. These will show deep and lasting respect.

Companies, private groups, and alumni organizations can organize donation drives for school supplies, technology tools, or classroom improvements, especially in underserved areas.

Every Filipino has been touched by the work of a teacher — a mentor, an encourager, a second parent. Honoring them should not be confined to a single day or month. National Teachers’ Month offers us a focused opportunity to acknowledge their sacrifices and recognize their impact.

As we celebrate the theme, “My Teacher, My Hero,” let us do more than remember — let us act. Let this month not just be a commemoration, but a movement of gratitude and solidarity. Because when we lift our teachers, we lift the future of our nation.