by: Jackyline T. Lagaňa, Head Teacher III-English Department
In a grand event held at the Cuneta Astrodome on Oct. 7, 2024, Pasay City Schools Division Office (SDO) proudly celebrated National Teachers’ Day 2024 with the theme “Pagpapatibay ng mga guro: Daan sa Magandang Kinabukasan” (Empowering Teachers: Path to a Brighter Future). The celebration brought together thousands of educators from across the city, all gathered to honor the essential role that teachers play in shaping the next generation.
The program commenced with the singing of the National Anthem and the Pasay Hymn, performed by the talented Pasay City East High School Chorale. This was followed by a heartfelt prayer that set an inspiring tone for the rest of the day’s events.
Mr. Quinn Norman O. Arreza, Public Schools District Supervisor Officer-in-Charge Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent opened the program with his welcome remarks. He said, “Your resilience and innovativeness are crucial factors in ensuring that we will continue to perform our mandate in delivering quality, inclusive, accessible, and liberating education for the learners.”
This was followed by a highly motivational message from Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent who underscored the importance of continuous professional development and the empowerment of teachers. He stressed how these efforts pave the way for a brighter future for the education system in Pasay and beyond.
The first raffle draw was led by Mr. Ronel U. Arellano, Administrative Officer IV with rice cookers awarded to teachers selected from different clusters. Additionally, 60 teachers won 500 pesos each.
Throughout the day, government officials expressed their admiration for Pasay’s educators. Pasay City Councilor Hon. Joey Calixto Isidro commended the unwavering dedication of teachers in molding the youth.
Hon. Antonio “Tony” G. Calixto, Congressman of Pasay City, also delivered a message, saying, “We all know that the work of a teacher does not end in the classroom. You work beyond regular hours, thinking about the welfare of your students and inspiring not only them but each one of us in the community.”
Despite her busy schedule, Pasay City Mayor Hon. Imelda “Emi” G. Calixto-Rubiano also addressed the crowd, reinforcing her administration’s strong commitment to enhancing the local education system and supporting its hardworking teachers during the celebration. Mayor Calixto-Rubiano mentioned that her administration would implement the “Teacher’s EMI (Enrichment, Mastery, and Innovation) Resource Hub” program, which will utilize educational technology and alternative intelligence tools to help teachers create lesson plans in just minutes, compared to the previous process that took days or weeks. She also announced an increase in financial assistance (FA) for teachers from 2,300 pesos to 2,800 pesos, along with an increase in FA for non-teaching personnel. Furthermore, the mayor contributed 200,000 pesos for the cash prizes.
To keep the audience entertained, the event featured a series of engaging performances. LGBTQIA+ icons Ate Gay and Regina delighted the audience with their talents, while members of the School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA), the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) Group, and elementary and secondary school principals showcased their talents in various numbers, celebrating their school pride.
One of the most anticipated parts of the day was the series of raffle draws, which added excitement to the event. Consolation and major prizes were awarded, spreading joy and appreciation among the educators. Gifts and tokens of appreciation were also distributed to recognize the dedication of the city’s teachers.
There were five raffle draws throughout the program, with a variety of prizes such as coffeemakers, electric fans, washing machines, refrigerators, TVs, and e-bikes, along with cash prizes of 500 pesos, 1,000 pesos, 5,000 pesos, and 10,000 pesos, sponsored by several councilors, the vice mayor, and the mayor of Pasay City.
The event came to a close with a final intermission performance from school principals, leaving the audience with a sense of pride and joy. Ms. Glenda Tabaquirao and Mr. Mike Artoza, who hosted the event, ensured the program flowed seamlessly, keeping the energy high and the participants engaged.
