Metrobank Foundation, DepEd, UST launch 2015 National Teachers Month Celebration

While the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization stipulated October 5, 2015 as the World Teachers Day, the Philippines, ever-thankful to its teachers, decided to hold an annual month-long celebration of the said event.

It is for this reason that the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council, composed of the Metrobank Foundation, Department of Education, and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas, launched the 2015 National Teachers Month on September 5, 2015 (Saturday), at the UST Benavides Auditorium.

The Department of Education Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, paid tribute to teachers by saying that the best teachers in the world are the Filipinos, and that their influence is felt not just in the country but in the different parts of the world where our teachers are employed. 

Also delivering his message was Senator Juan Edgarda “Sonny” Angara, who confessed that he once tried to teach at a law school, but lasted only one year. His brief glimpse of the teaching profession, he said, made him respect the kind of dedication teachers put into the preparation and execution of their lessons.

A historic figure honored in the event was the late President Elpidio Quirino, whose 125TH birth anniversary falls on this year. The Quirino Foundation, chaired by Ms. Cory Quirino, and the Philippine Postal Corporation, led by the Postmaster General Hon. Josephine dela Cruz, unveiled the commemorative stamps bearing the image of the late President.

The late President Quirino was a barrio teacher in Ilocos Sur and was among those who championed the welfare of teachers during his administration.

Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña introduced this year’s Outstanding Teachers, including Dr. Thomas Edison dela Cruz of the Biology department of UST. He likewise paid tribute to teachers and said that the Foundation is working closely with different organizations to provide incentives—in the form of discounts and services—to teachers during this month.

Sobrepeña assured teachers of the Foundation’s continued commitment to honor their hardwork and dedication which contribute to nationbuilding.

The National Teachers Month stretches from September 5 – October 5, 2015. The launching was organized by the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council and co-hosted by the UST College of Education and Junior High School.