Vice President Sara Duterte acknowledged the critical role played by all teachers in shaping young minds and in nation-building.

In a message commemorating the World Teachers' Day on Sunday, Oct. 5, the Vice President saluted all teachers and recognized their sacrifices to hone the youth’s capacities, intelligence, and the foundation of their characters.

“Sa araw na ito, ating kinikilala ang mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng ating mga guro sa pagtaguyod ng matatag na sambayanan at maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa ating mga kabataan (Today, we recognize the important role played by our teachers in promoting a strong society and a bright future for our youth),” she said.

“Ngayon, kaming lahat ay nagbibigay-pugay sa inyong malaking kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng inyong propesyon at sa pagsulong ng potensyal at kasanayan ng mga kabataang Pilipino (Today, we pay tribute to your contribution to the progress of your profession and for pushing the potentials and the excellence of the Filipino youth),” she added.

Duterte expressed her hopes for the triumph, strength, and health of the country’s teachers, and said that she stands united with them in achieving the dreams of the youth and the nation.

“Nawa’y magsilbi pa kayong inspirasyon sa mas marami pang kabataan, habang inyong buong sigasig na nilalakbay ang daan tungo sa ating nagkakaisang hangarin para sa isang matatag na Pilipinas (May you serve as an inspiration to more young Filipinos, while you tirelessly journey toward our common purpose of a strong Philippines),” the official said.

The World Teachers’ Day is held annually every Oct. 5 to celebrate teachers around the world. It is a day meant to celebrate how teachers transform education and mold the minds of the youth.

The date also commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which “sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions,” the UN said.