Legarda: DepEd’s ‘Thank You’ Campaign a Fitting Tribute to Teachers

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY LAUDED THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED) FOR COMING UP WITH THE “THANK YOU” CAMPAIGN AS A TRIBUTE TO FILIPINO TEACHERS IN CELEBRATION OF TEACHERS MONTH THIS SEPTEMBER AND WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY ON OCTOBER 5.
Legarda said that while teachers, especially those in public schools, would greatly appreciate if their long-standing concerns-such as just compensation, increase in non-wage benefits, and continuous training and/or re-training-are immediately addressed, this campaign of the DepEd is a great way to recognize the important role of teachers in the society and in the lives of their students.
DepEd’s campaign encourages everyone to show their appreciation for their teachers by personally thanking them or through other ways such as sending them letters or gifts, publishing feature stories on their mentors in school papers, social networking sites, local newspapers and national broadsheets. It also encourages commercial establishments to provide discounts or special treats for teachers for the whole month of September until October 5.
“We should never take for granted the difference our mentors created in our lives. A sincere appreciation of their work by sending our personal thanks to them would inspire them and uplift their morale,” she said.
Legarda was the co-chair of the board of judges of the Metrobank’s recently concluded search for outstanding teachers of 2011. The Senator said that while programs such that of Metrobank’s give due recognition to some of the country’s educators, nothing is greater than an earnest expression of gratefulness from their students.
“However, we must not waver in our resolve to pursue the changes we eagerly want for our teachers. It is a must that we provide them with better compensation packages, benefits and privileges,” she stressed.
In this regard, Legarda sought for the swift passage of her proposed measures that would address the concerns of teachers.
Senate Bill 10, the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, seeks to provide more benefits and greater protection to teachers and non-teaching personnel all over the country; while SB 1397, the Philippine Teachers’ Hospital Act, aims to establish a hospital especially dedicated to the health needs of teachers.
Meanwhile, SB 1429, Regionalizing the Department of Education Payroll System, seeks to establish a Payroll Service Division Unit in each and every region to ensure that the processing, printing and distribution of salary checks are made on time.
“Our mentors long to be recognized for the role that they perform in our society. Let us support them in their continuous quest for proper recognition that goes beyond lip service. Sending them our heartfelt thanks is as important as actively promoting programs for their welfare,” Legarda concluded.