Teachers, families, hear mass on World Teachers’ Day

From a seemingly unusual break from traditional marches and demonstrations that marked the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day (WTD) every 5th of October, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) will celebrate their big day thru a holy mass that will be attended by some 200 teachers from Metro Manila.

“We will join the whole nation in national prayer for teachers. This time, we want to celebrate this day with our families and the families of our pupils and students- the people whom we pledged to give our untiring service despite the many limitations of our government.” Said Emmalyn Policarpio, a grade school teacher from Valenzuela City and the group’s spokesperson as she announced TDC’s celebration at St. Peter Church in Commonwealth Avenue on Friday.

Nancy De Leon, an elementary school teacher of Mandaluyong for the past 40 years says the mass is also intended to give thanks to the Lord for the wisdom and physical strength. “As a teacher I am committed to serve the young people and I do it in the grace of God. Because I believe, with God being the center of our intention, we cannot go wrong.” She said.

She added that she does not consider teaching as a means of living but rather a vocation. “When I started teaching, I knew that this is not a good source of income. It’s more of a mission rather than profit. I am more focused on developing a well-rounded personality for every child- not purely academics but how they will face life in the future and be successful and productive citizens.” She added.

Policarpio on her part appreciated the government for declaring the National Teachers’ Month and thanked the institutions that initiated a nationwide campaign to recognize the role of teachers, including the DepEd and private institutions like the Metrobank Foundation and CBCP and the media. “We are really grateful that the sacrifices we make are being recognized by all sectors of society.”

Metrobank Foundation and the DepEd spearheaded the National Teachers’ Month Campaign a few years ago that resulted to the official presidential proclamation last year signed by President Aquino last year declaring September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ MOnth. The CBCP endorses this year’s celebration and even adopted the national prayer for teachers on October 5 and the different TV and radio stations have been doing their share to thank the teachers since the beginning of a month-long celebration.

Policarpio however, reminded the government that a mere recognition would not be enough as they also need economic relief and also prayed that the pending bill granting them a P9000 increase in salaries be enacted the soonest possible time. “We are thankful for flowers and praises, but surely we also need economic upgrade.” She ended.

The special mass for teachers which will also be celebrated in Cebu and other cities will coincide with the regular 5:00PM mass in St. Peter Church and will be officiated by Fr. Antonio Labiao, Jr., the shrine rector. After the homily, the priest will allow Ms Nancy De Leon to take the podium and discuss in brief the significance of the World Teachers’ Day celebration. After the mass, the group is expected to line-up along Commonwealth Avenue to hold a short program.

Emmalyn Policarpio, TDC Spokesperson: 0939-7798647
Nancy De Leon, Mandaluyong Teacher: 09395800219

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