PBBM HONORS EDUCATORS ON NATIONAL TEACHERS’ DAY

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday honored teachers for their significant contributions to nation-building, recognizing their role in shaping lives and instilling values that nurture a responsible and skilled future generation.

“Today, as we celebrate National Teachers’ Day for 2025, we honor not just what you have given, but also what you have gained: the wisdom that comes from walking hand-in-hand with the young people of our country who will one day carry the nation forward,” the President said during the 2025 National Teachers’ Day Celebration held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“We offer you our respect, our deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts, and in your way building a nation that we can be proud of one student at a time,” the President added.

President Marcos also acknowledged the sacrifices teachers make every day, recognizing inspirational stories of two educators who embody resilience and diligence.

One of them is Teacher Marivic Villacampa of Bulihan Integrated National High School in Cavite, who continues to teach despite her battle with cancer.

The other is Teacher Mary Jane Reodica of Laguna, who initiated the Luisiana Alternative Livelihood and Advancement Project, offering livelihood skills training to students.

“Their stories are just two examples of the heroism that is alive in our schools all over the country. It reminds us that the true measure of a nation’s growth is found in the grit, the passion, and dedication of you – our teachers,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that such passion must be matched by strong government support to help teachers fully realize their mission.

President Marcos cited key government programs aimed at supporting teachers, including the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act granting tax-free teaching allowance for public teachers; Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 005 for fair teaching loads; the e-Learning Academy on personal finance and economics, promoting financial literacy; 57 percent reduction in teacher’s paperwork, and the Career Progression System for Public School under Republic Act 12288, expanding educators’ career pathways.

“Simple lang ang ibig sabihin nito, wala ng public school teacher na magre-retire na Teacher I. Hindi na natin papayagan na mangyari ulit ‘yun,” President Marcos said.

“This is about recognizing the years of service that you have given, and ensuring that your journey as an educator is filled with dignity, with respect, and with growth.”

A P1,000 incentive was also given to every public school teacher nationwide.

The President also said the government has allocated P26.55 billion from cancelled flood control funds to add to the proposed 2026 DepEd budget and to be used to increase funding for classrooms, child nutrition, teacher compensation, and technology in schools.

The President urged DepEd and other relevant agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the programs to reach the farthest communities, improve the quality of education, and prepare Filipino students for the fast-changing world.

“At sa ating mga guro: Ang tunay na tagumpay ng edukasyon ay hindi lamang sa talino ng ating mga kabataan, kundi pati sa kanilang kabutihan at paninindigan. Dahil ang katalinuhan na walang integridad ay walang saysay; ngunit ang kabutihan at karunungan—iyan ang magtataguyod ng ating Bagong Pilipinas,” said President Marcos.