House bill on National Teachers Day approved in 2nd reading

A bill that seeks to declare October 5 of each year as “National Teachers Day” in the Philippines is now being readied for final approval at the House of Representatives.

This developed as congressmen approved in second reading House Bill 4097 that aims to recognize the role of teachers in the educational and moral advancement of the people, especially the youth, as well as to the development of society.

The bill was endorsed for plenary approval by the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chaired by Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero III.

It substituted House Bill 3409 authored by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City and Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. of Abante Mindanao party-list in consolidation with House Bill 4097 authored by Representative Antonio Tinio of Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list.

Overworked and underpaid, Tinio said many teachers forced to work abroad for much better pay.

"Despite hardships attendant to their profession, such as low pay and meager benefits, difficult working conditions and minimal protection during election and census duties, our teachers still carry on, molding the minds and hearts of our country’s future," he said.

Rodriguez said teachers in the Philippines not only shoulder the task of providing better education to the country's students, they also endure hardships in the performance of their functions.

The measure mandates the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to initiate the appropriate activities to celebrate National Teachers' Day.

The bill directs all public and private educational institutions in the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels to provide their full support and assistance to events and activities to be conducted by teachers and students in recognition of National Teachers' Day.

By Virgil Lopez