Caraga teachers converge for World Teachers’ Day
Anchored on the theme, “Guro: Kabalikat sa Pagbabago,” the celebration began with a holy mass at 6:15 am at the St. Joseph Diocesan Shrine Cathedral, followed by a motorcade leading to the venue.
One thousand (1000) delegates from 12 schools divisions, together with more than a hundred regional personnel, participated in the said celebration.
Following the grand entrance, the delegates were acknowledged by way of a cheering competition between the divisions. Bayugan City, with its bright colors and lively cheers, was adjudged the winner. Cabadbaran City and Agusan del Norte came second and third respectively.
In her message, Dr. May Eclar emphasized the indispensable role of teachers in the lives of children.
“Our teachers are a big part of who we are. This celebration is dedicated not only to the teachers of today …but also to the teachers of the past who had influenced us to become better citizens of this country.” Dr. Eclar said.
“The showcase of talents by both teachers and students”, Dr. Eclar added, “serves as an avenue for all of us to keep the torch burning so that we could inspire more, touch more lives and bring out more success stories from the children who we have spent much of our lifetime with.”
After the intermission numbers by the Bayugan City Educators’ Chorale and the Speech Choir of Agusan del Norte, students marched towards the teachers to give them flowers. Then, a simultaneous worldwide recitation of the Prayer for Teachers followed at exactly 10:05 am, led by Mr. Bernabe Linog, EPS-CLMD.
Talent competitions were the main highlights of the celebration. Jessa Manlimos of Surigao City Division won the Teacher Got Talent contest. Second place was Gerald Hechanova III of Butuan City, and third was Joseph Adlao of Siargao Islands.
For the Variety Show category, Butuan City Division reaped the 1st place, followed by Tandag City and Bislig City.
The award for the Thank You Card Contest belonged to Surigao del Sur Division which garnered 4,600 Facebook likes, followed by Cabadbaran City Division with 4,500 likes, and Surigao del Norte with 2,800 likes.
The 1st placer of the Variety Show and the winners of the Cheering Competition and Teachers’ Got Talent received cash prizes, while all the other winners received consolation prizes.
Even as the event was unfolding at the venue, other teachers availed of the free services offered within the vicinity such as facial make-over, spa treatment, haircut, and other personal care services.