“The recently concluded celebration of the World Teachers’ Day in Lavezares I & II Districts has showcased once again the great collaboration and cooperation of all education internal and external stakeholders. Indeed, Helen Keller is right when she wrote: ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’.”
- Garry
A. Vacunawa, PhD
Head Teacher,
Maravilla NHS
2015 Principal’s
Test National Topnotcher
These
lines from Dr. Vacunawa’s Facebook status stipulates in a nutshell the
concerted efforts of stakeholders to come up with a multi-sectoral honoring of
teachers in Lavezares.
September
5 to October 5 of every year is the observance and celebration of the National
Teachers’ Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242 and Republic Act
10743. October 5 is the annual World/National Teachers’ Day. With the
Department of Education (DepEd) as the lead agency, a grand multi-sectoral
honoring of teachers is mandated to encourage all sectors of the community to
take part in paying tribute and gratitude to teachers. Thus, DepEd issued
Memorandum 137, s. 2017 to lay down the synchronized month-long activities
centered on the theme “Gurong Pilipino:
Kaakbay sa Progreso”. DepEd Eastern Visayas Region released Memorandum No.
476, s. 2017, enjoining all divisions, districts and schools in the region to
hold activities relative to NTM consistent with the Department’s issuance.
The
2017 NTM/NTD/WTD celebrations aimed to:
·
honor those who are
in the teaching profession
·
acknowledge and
give emphasis on the crucial role, loyal service, and dedicated commitment of
teachers in developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families,
strengthening communities, and building the nation
·
revitalize the
image of and respect for teaching as a vocation by increasing public awareness
on the value of teachers in the Philippine society
·
take the occasion
as an opportunity in building the image of teaching as an attractive and
fulfilling profession
·
generate widespread
support and assistance for teachers, and
·
express gratitude
for the positive influences of teachers on Filipino learners
It
is also observed in Lavezares annually as a way to honor teachers whose
greatest and noblest contribution in educating Lavezaresnons truly deserve
recognition and commendation. It becomes more relevant and inspiring for this
year because the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) fielded
Memorandum Circular No. 2017-106 enjoining all local government units (LGUs) to
hold “support activities in promoting culture of gratitude to Filipino
teachers”.
NTM Kick-off Activity
Teachers
and school heads gathered at the Lavezares Public Schools Teachers’ Association
(LAPSTA – the overall in charge of the celebration) Hall on September 6, 2017
for a District Meeting. One of the purposes of the activity was to formally
announce the commencement of the National Teachers’ Month 2017 which was done
by Dr. Pedro S. Vargas, District Supervisor. Teachers were glad greeting one
another with “Happy Teachers’ Month”. LAPSTA President Randy O. Canales
presided a sort of simple planning to elicit celebration ideas from the
teachers on how they wanted to be honored by the community. Memorandum
circulars about NTM were presented to the body. The list of teacher treats
shared by teachers include zumba, thanksgiving mass, motorcade, recognition of
outstanding teachers and retirees, educators’ night and search for most popular
teachers.
The
suggestions presented were translated into an activity proposal and office
memorandum by Dr. Vargas. The kick off activity was even more exciting as
Lavezares welcomed 9 newly hired elementary teachers.
Resource Mobilization
Together
with the District Supervisor, LAPSTA officers met the local chief executive,
Engr. Quintin B. Saludaga, municipal mayor, who immediately expressed positive
response to the activity proposal. Mayor Saludaga called the municipality’s
treasurer, accountant and budget officer to look for available funds to defray
celebration expenses, particularly food and sound system during educators’
night.
With
the multi-sectoral celebration on sight, the officers connected and
collaborated with local business establishments, barangay officials, alumni
associations, PTAs, and philanthropic groups and individuals here and abroad.
Options
of support were presented to potential sponsors which the LAPSTA greatly
welcomed: cash, raffle draw items, souvenir items and other teacher treats the
sponsors considered. A thank you note was sent to the sponsors for the support
they have extended.
Advocacy
To make the public aware of the month-long
affair, publicity materials showing official designs were displayed in schools
and district office. LGU also hang tarpaulin in front of the municipal hall.
Teachers also utilized the social
media by posting and sharing photos, frames, and messages. The Facebook Group
bearing the name Lavezares Teachers’ Association also changed its profile and
cover photos with the celebration logos. LGU-Lavezares’ official FB Page
“Abante Lavezares” also posted advocacy material.
Organizational Meetings
A special meeting of the LAPSTA and
LAPSHA officers was conducted to finalize schedule and activities for the
district-wide celebration. Things were discussed in details, making sure that
the celebration would focus on making teachers’ feel their day.
Finally, the date was set to October
9, 2017 to coincide with the first “meet the staff” visit of OIC-SDS Bernardo
A. Adina to Lavezares.
School-based World Teachers’ Day Celebrations
It was emphasized, however, that the
school-based activities on October 5 must be pushed through though the district-wide
celebration was scheduled to October 9. Thus schools conducted their respective
ways of honoring teachers. Some schools staged short programs, received treats
from stakeholders, and were presented with flowers, gifts, greeting cards,
among others from learners and parents. At 10:05 in the morning, the Prayer for
Teachers was recited after the ringing of bells.
District-based World Teachers’ Day
Celebration
No
bad weather could hinder teachers to celebrate their day. Though it was
raining, teachers from the different points of the municipality gathered at the
Lavezares Central Elementary School. From the islands and the hinterlands, all
headed their way for the celebration. This only showed the strength of the
teaching force of Lavezares that couldn’t be defeated by any challenge.
The
day started with a zumba at the
LAPSTA Hall. It was a sight to see teachers expressing themselves through dance
moves. A break from the routinely tedious tasks, the dance exercise allowed
teachers to freely define steps initiated by the dance instructor.
After
the sweaty activity, teachers arranged themselves on motorbikes for the motorcade. From LCES, the motor parade
led by Lavezares PNP drove around the town to Sitio Baysag of Barangay
Enriqueta, to Barangay Libas, and back to LCES. It was like presenting the
teachers to the entire Lavezares community.
As
the stakeholders-sponsored refreshments were served to the teachers who arrived
from the motorcade, copies of the Teachers’ Day Special Issue of Sirak (the Official Publication of
LAPSTA) were distributed to them. Articles about the celebration highlighting
the role of teachers in community development and nation-building were featured
in the paper. It was made possible thru the efforts of campus journalism
coaches and advisers in the districts.
Meanwhile,
Alternative Learning System learners spearheaded enjoyable parlor games for the teachers. Prizes were given to the winners of
the different games.
At
4:00 in the afternoon, a thanksgiving
mass was celebrated at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish church with
Rev. Fr. Otillo Lobriṅo, Jr., Parish Priest, as celebrant. He emphasized the
teaching profession as the noblest of all the professions. He saluted all
teachers who commit to teaching as a vocation. He also commended teachers’
efforts in promoting morality and values.
After
the mass, the honorees headed to LCES quadrangle for the Educators’ Night. While waiting for SDS Bernardo Adina (who was not
able to attend because of health concerns), souvenir items were distributed to
them. Female teachers received roses, while male teachers received key chains
from sponsors.
Meanwhile,
the program started with an opening salvo from Basilio B. Chan Memorial Agricultural
and Industrial School - Performing Arts Organization (BBCMAIS-PAO) with their wonderful
rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, hill song “Still” and Division
Hymn. Mayor
Saludaga was the one who formally welcomed the honorees to the grand
celebration. Entertainment numbers were performed by learners from LCES,
Maravilla NHS, ALS, Barobaybay ES, and Urdaneta CES. The performances were best
presented by the learners all dedicated to the teachers.
PSDS
Vargas did the honor of giving an inspirational message. Inspired by the
message of DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, Dr. Vargas shared the significant
points to ponder about the Secretary’s message which gave life to the theme
“Gurong Pilipino: Kaakbay sa Progreso”.
While
the program was going on, dinner was served by Ysabelle’s Catering Services
courtesy of the Local Government Unit of Lavezares.
Six
retirees were also honored: Teacher Elisha Encarnacion (San Miguel), Teacher
Sherlita Laurio (San Miguel), Teacher Alicia Balag (LCES), Teacher Arminda
Martires (Libas), Teacher Cayetana Domasig (Bani) and Teacher Myra Agus
(Barobaybay). They were awarded with Certificates of Recognition for spending their
career life for the learners at DepEd.
Winners
of the Search for Outstanding Teachers/School Head were awarded with
Certificate of Recognition plus cash prize (Php. 1 500.00 each) from Mayor
Saludaga:
Outstanding Teacher
- Rhea
Reparip (Toog ES)
Outstanding Kindergarten Teacher
-
Diana Mae Calixtro (LCES)
Outstanding MG Teacher
-Jerry
Algordo (Malicolico ES)
Outstanding ALS Teacher
-Domingo
Espiṅa (Lavezares II) Outstanding Master Teacher
-Victoria
Autor (Kaluy-ahan ES)
Most
Outstanding School Head
-
Ruth Gorda (LCES)
Outstanding
School Heads
-
Romulo Cupido, Jr. (Enriqueta ES) Ma.
Riza Erenia, PhD (Toog-Malicolico) Abel
Martires (Maravilla ES) Lerica Salazar, EdD (Baysag ES)
Winners were the nominees who got
the highest score from each category after undergoing screening, validation of
documents, and school visits. The Evaluation and Awards Committee was composed
of Dr. Pedro S. Vargas (PSDS), Michael
Guibao (MT-I), Randy Canales (MT-I/LAPSTA President), and Renante Duran (LAPSTA
Vice President).
Mayor
Saludaga was also awarded as Most Supportive Stakeholder to recognize his full
support and promotion of teachers’ welfare.
Adding
color to the celebration was the instant Search
for Most Popular Teachers 2017. Eight pairs of candidates from the eight
clusters danced Kuracha, while spectators casted their cash votes to their
bet’s assigned box. After the gala dance, the cash votes were counted. The
candidates with the highest votes were proclaimed Most Popular Teachers 2017
(Mr. Arvin Cagsawa – Maravilla ES and Ms. Marivic Castillo – Enriqueta ES).
Other candidates were announced as Runners Up. Proper ceremony was done for the
king and queen of the night and the entourage.
50%
of the cash votes was returned to the candidates while the remaining 50% was
kept for the LAPSTA/LAPSHA/District Fund. Proceeds will be spent for the
procurement and installation of air conditioning units/electric fans to enhance
ventilation at the LAPSTA Hall.
In
his closing remarks, Mr. Randy O. Canales, the president of LAPSTA, expressed
deep and sincere thanks and appreciation to all stakeholders who have shared
time, talent, and treasure dedicated to teachers.
The
rest of the evening was spent for the raffle draw (where sixty lucky teachers
received kitchenware, home decors and appliances from the very supportive
generous sponsors), dance and socials.
What
made the night more special to the teachers was the presence of stakeholders,
to wit: Mayor Quintin B. Saludaga, Vice Mayor Ricardo Chan, Mrs. Norma D. Chan,
Brgy. Captain Tita Adriatico, Brgy. Captain Delilah Camposano, Sirs Franco,
Ryan and John of Moral Recovery Team (Camp Crame), Mr. Samuel Guy, learners, parents
and the entire community following the event through social media.
The month-long celebration ended
with a blast during the Educators’ Night. However, teachers deserve to be
honored year round, in a day to day basis, as a reward of their daily sacrifice
to touch, transform and influence lives. Costless ways are even more
appreciated by us. It is when we hear sincere words with the humbling:
Thank
You, Teacher
My Teacher, My Hero!
