I recently became part of the In-Service Training for Teachers (INSET) sessions at my alma mater, Parañaque Science High School (PSHS), and at Sto. Niño National High School in Parañaque City.

More than simply delivering a lecture on Cyberbullying, Online Safety, and Digital Citizenship, topics that I hope to further explore and share in my future articles, the experience became a mini-reunion with some of my former high school teachers.

It was especially meaningful to reconnect with Dr. Rhodora Espino, now Principal IV of Parañaque Science High School; Ms. Jacqueline Montes, now Master Teacher I and Assistant to the Principal for Junior High School of PSHS; and Ms. Mercy Ramos, now one of the officers at the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Parañaque.

I knew I could never thank them enough for guiding us through our high school years. So, as a little surprise, I requested a good friend, DepEd Assistant Secretary Hon. Janir T. Datukan, and asked if he could share a message for them. He graciously did, while also relaying the warm encouragement of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.

I also reached out to Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, who was among the founders of the National Teachers Month (NTM) celebration in the Philippines, together with the late Chito Sobrepena, former President of the Metrobank Foundation.

“As we celebrate National Teachers’ Month, please know that I am holding each and everyone of you in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply moved by the unwavering dedication, energy, and love you pour into shaping the future of our nation,” said Br. Armin, who is also Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers.

I still remember one of our early meetings as the NTM Coordinating Council. We were all pleasantly surprised to learn in our meeting that he had just been appointed Secretary of the Department of Education.

It is remarkable to think about how much has happened since those early days. We have witnessed many of the milestones of National Teachers Month, milestones that, back then, we could only dream about as a small group of education advocates trying to say “Thank You” to our teachers.

Inspiration For Becoming A Teacher

For Desi Magnaye of Davao Christian High School V. Mapa Campus in Davao City, the inspiration came from teachers who showed him that teaching goes beyond knowing a subject.

“I was inspired to become a teacher by teachers who showed me what it meant to have both competence and character. They knew their subject matter well, but more importantly, they showed up for their students and genuinely cared. They challenged me to pursue excellence, but they also supported and encouraged me along the way,” shared Mr. Magnaye.

For Mr. Evan Philip of Schola De Vita (SDV) in Las Piñas City, the inspiration was deeply personal. It was his grandmother, who was also his very first teacher.

“I never imagined myself becoming a teacher because my lola wanted me to become an engineer, but when she passed away, I decided to pursue teaching, not to go against her wishes, but because I realized that I could help many children pursue their own dreams,” shared Mr. Evan.

“I thought: Why should I be the only one who becomes engineer? Instead, I want to become a teacher who can inspire and guide future engineers, doctors, and professionals in different fields. In this way, I hope to continue my lola’s legacy by helping young minds discover their own paths and achieve their dreams,” he added.

For Ms. Ashley of SDV, she was inspired by her mother.

“During my preschool days, my mom was my Filipino teacher. We were both in a small school, which made me grow up in an environment surrounded by teachers. Because of that, I was inspired to take the Elementary Education degree in college. And now, I am a proud graduate and teacher because of my mom,” shared Ms. Ashley.

For Airish of the same school in Las Piñas City, the inspiration began in church.

“I was inspired to become a teacher because of my ate’s and kuya’s in church. We have Sunday activities where we go around our village to teach about God’s word to the kids. I was one of the kids who loved to listen to them and became one of them at age eight. I love to see children learning and becoming a better version of themselves,” shared Ms. Airish.

A Prayer For Teachers

Thank you, Teachers. This World Teachers Day, I pray for you this prayer of our celebration:

Giver of All Wisdom and Greatest of all Teachers,
Look upon our teachers with love

Grant them the resolve
To nurture our eager minds

And to never give up on us who fall behind
Bless their hearts

For they rejoice when we succeed
And encourage us when we fail

Endow them with gentle patience
For the path of learning is never easy

Kindle a spirit of passion in them
It is the flame that ignites the love of learning in us

Help them see the potential in each student
Their belief in us means much more than the grade we make

Instill in them a commitment to keep on learning
It shows us to not fear new knowledge and experiences

Inspire them to touch the future
They influence how big a dream we dream for ourselves

Bless our teachers who have come before
For their work endures to this day

Let the light of Your example shine upon all teachers:

To build up with their words
To love with their mind
To share with their heart

Amen.