Planting the Seeds of Knowledge

The picturesque landscapes of Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines became the backdrop for an inspiring and heartwarming event as Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, along with education undersecretaries, school heads, and teachers from the Visayas region, gathered to kick off the National Teachers' Month (NTM) 2023. The event, held on September 5, 2023, celebrated the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of educators across the Philippines.

The theme for this year's NTM and World Teachers' Day (WTD) kick-off celebration is "Together4Teachers," emphasising the collective responsibility of the entire nation in recognising the importance of educators in shaping the future of the Philippines.

Director Margarita Ballesteros of the External Partnerships and International Cooperation Office welcomed two special guests who have made a significant mark in the world of education – Francis Jim Tuscano and Dr. Venus Alboruto, both are Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize Ambassadors and Global Teacher Prize (GTP) Philippine Finalists. Francis Jim Tuscano, a GTP 2017 Finalist, and Dr. Venus Alboruto, a GTP 2019 Finalist, have long been champions of education in the Philippines. Their dedication and innovative approaches to teaching have earned them recognition not only in the Philippines but also on the global stage.

The highlight of their participation in the NTM kick-off ceremony was a symbolic tree-planting ceremony. Vice President Sara Duterte, Secretary of Education, Senator Imee Marcos, alongside the Global Teacher Prize Ambassadors and other special guests, planted seedlings signifying the vital role that teachers play in nurturing and cultivating the minds of young Filipinos, who are the future builders of the nation. This tree-planting ceremony was a profound reminder of how educators plant the seeds of knowledge, values, and dreams in students' hearts, enabling them to grow into responsible, informed, and compassionate citizens of the Philippines.

The "Together4Teachers" theme encapsulates the collaborative effort required to support educators. It recognises that teaching is not just the responsibility of teachers alone but a shared mission involving students, parents, communities, and the government. The theme aims to celebrate the excellence and greatness of Filipino teachers who are partners in building a patriotic and child-friendly nation.

The National Teachers' Month celebration extends from September 5 to October 5, coinciding with National Teachers' Day. During this month-long celebration, various activities, workshops, and events will be held to honour and appreciate the dedication of teachers across the Philippines. In an age where educators face unprecedented challenges, National Teachers' Month is a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that the teaching profession is a noble and essential calling. The participation of Global Teacher Prize Ambassadors like Francis Jim Tuscano and Dr. Venus Alboruto underscores the importance of recognising and supporting the tireless efforts of teachers who shape the future of our nation, one student at a time.

Read more about Global Teacher Prize Finalist Francis Jim Tuscano

Read more about Global Teacher Prize Finalist Dr Venus Alboruto