ORMOC CITY- More than 6,500 teacher-delegates from around the country joined in celebrating the 2018 World Teachers’ Day hosted by the city government of Ormoc Friday (October 5).
Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, along with Undersecretary Tonisito M.C. Umali and other key officials, expressed their gratitude to City Mayor Richard Gomez and his wife Leyte Rep.Lucy Torres-Gomez, DepEd Regional Director Ramir Uytico and Ormoc city schools head Manuel Albano for successfully hosting the event.
Following this year’s theme “Gurong Pilipino: Turo mo, Kinabukasan ko,” Briones honored those who are in the teaching profession, acknowledging the “crucial role, loyal service, and dedicated commitment of teachers in developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities, and building the nation.”
The more than 6,500 who attended the gathering were serenaded by some of the country’s top singers during a program held at the Ormoc Superdome with business establishments across the city providing discount to teachers.
Mayor Gomez said that holding the national event for teachers was their way of ‘giving back’ to the contribution of teachers to our society.
The actor-turned-city mayor said that they are honored that for the first time, Ormoc has hosted said event.
Umali also urged every Filipino to celebrate the National Teachers’ month from September 5 to October 5 like how they would celebrate Christmas and other happy holidays “to revitalize the image and respect for teaching as a vocation by increasing awareness on the value of teachers in the Philippine society.”
The education officials also thanked its partners including Metrobank Foundation Inc., One Meralco Foundation, Globe Telecommunications, Enchanted Kingdom, Philippine Postal Corporation, and other private organizations and government agencies for their “treats” as a token of gratitude to the teachers.
All schools both in private and public around the country held synchronized programs and activities to celebrate the event.
Amid the issues and controversies faced by the DepEd, Briones said that teaching remains a fulfilling profession and vocation. (RONALD O. REYES)
