DepEd-NCR celebrates National Teachers Day 2016

“The fulfilment of being a teacher does not lie on seeing the students become better version of ourselves but on watching those students help others and be their best     version of themselves as well” said Hon. Jesus  Lorenzon R. Mateo, DepEd  Undersecretary for Regional Operations during the DepEdNCR National  Teachers Day 2016 celebration on      September 30, 2016 at Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City.
With the theme    “ Guro Kabalikat sa Pagbabago”, the event aimed to culminate the     month-long celebration with        festivities to express the   Department’s sincere gratitude for     teachers’ important role in             revolutionizing the educational     reform efforts of the department. The event is in line with the international celebration of the World Teachers Day. It was participated in by          approximately 7,000 teachers        representing the 16 Schools         Divisions    Offices. DSWD          Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Pasay City Mayor  Antonio Calixto, ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro, Congresswoman Emi Calixto-   Rubiano, Metro Bank Foundation  Executive Director, Nicanor Torres, Jr. the TY Metro Bank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Awardees and many more.
In his keynote address, Usec. Mateo emphasized that although teachers are seldom unrecognized with the work they do and the roles they played in each students lives, the magic of teaching, the  power of a teacher lies in  being able to create ripples of change a domino effect in improving lives of       children. He also   mentioned that     teachers must also be equipped with all the necessary skills to deliver quality education. DepEd is   committed to  strengthening an education   system where  teachers can be most effective in line with  being better,    DepEd will be focusing on key priority  areas that will have greater positive impact on learning. He also shared some updates on the  DepEd budget for CY 2017;  continued full  implementation of K-12  program including SH with an effective system monitoring and   evaluation of outcomes in terms of quality and access; initial curricular reforms in incorporating drug education in science and health       curriculum and improving alternative learning methods,      strengthening gender equality and sex education as well emphasizing preparedness, and adaptation to climate change and disaster risk reduction. And lastly, expansion of coverage for Alternative Learning System (ALS) to drug rehabilitation centers, developing alternative learning methods for hard to reach mountain regions and  islands.
Moreover, Dr. Ponciano A. Menguito, DepEd NCR Regional Director highlighted the role of teachers in the  society. “Teaching is not just a service, it is not just a  profession, teaching is not just a job but the pillar of the Philippine society.” He added. He also underscored the             collaborative effort made by DepEd-NCR for our  unsung heroes of the world. Dr. Menguito stressed that the region is providing technical     assistance to the 16 Schools Divisions covered by the region to the   teachers through continues development that primarily  includes   contextualization, localization and integration of curriculum.
Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, also welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of         education as a changing power in molding oneself, the society and the rest of the world. He expressed his   gratitude to all the teachers for successfully responding to the heavy demand for  upbringing every learner and unleashing the potential of every Filipino youth as   productive citizen working for higher quality of       education. “Indeed, our teachers deserve a tap in the back. Likewise, I am confident that all stakeholders will   continue to support our teachers because they believe that our teachers will emerge as new breed of heroes.” He added.
The occasion started with A “Walk for Peace” participated in by 50 representatives per Schools      Division. The event was made even more festive through various cultural performances; namely,    Teachers Got Talent Sing-offs, Dish Gardening Contest, On-the-Spot Sketch Competition, Wellness Services, Festival Merchandises and freebies from corporate  partners and raffles draws.

– Karleen  D. Zambas