An education official urged national and local entities to come up with effective mechanisms that will encourage teachers to remain in their profession.
Davao del Norte schools division superintendent Dr. Aurora Cubero lamented that despite government’s efforts to increase the education budget, the status and salaries of teachers in the country still remain low and not at par with their counterparts in Asia.
“That is why we are losing a number of our highly-skilled teachers who look for greener pastures abroad or turn to other careers,” she said.
“I ask the education stakeholders to support viable national and local policies and programs and come up with initiatives so that teachers remain and develop within the profession in our own country,” she appealed, during the celebration of the World Teachers’ Day at the Cambanogoy Gym, Asuncion, Davao del Norte last October 5.
Davao del Norte joined the international community in celebrating the significant event by giving honor to the humble but heroic deeds of teachers.
Local officials, community leaders and students joined education officials, school administrators and teachers in a culmination program capping the Teachers’ Month Campaign.
Acting Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio, reiterated Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario’s commitment to the education sector as part of his human-centered development strategy. This includes support for career development of teachers.
“In spite of the many struggles, you remained steadfast in performing your functions even beyond the call of duty, and I salute you for that,” the governor’s message.
Del Rosario took a furlough to personally accompany his son Anthony who is undergoing a stem cell transplant in the U.S.
Aside from providing funds for physical improvement of schools, the province also provides a counterpart for salaries of the local school board-paid teachers.
During the occasion, Dr. Cubero cited the sacrifices and dedication of teachers in the far-flung areas, as well as those teachers handling multi-grade classes and those teaching the differently-abled children and other children of special needs.
She likewise acknowledged the alternative learning system mobile teachers, and instructional managers who reach out to the farthest nooks of the province “where angels fear to tread” to make everyone, young and old alike functionally literate.
“Marami sa ating mga guro ang hindi na nakapag-asawa dahil halos ang buong panahon at buhay nila ay iginugol nila para sa trabaho, sa pagtuturo at paghubog sa isipan ng ating mga kabataan,” she revealed.
She said the only consolation for these teachers is the thought that they have somehow made a difference in the life of their students.
Earlier in the day, schools in the province took a break from their classrooms or school programs with the students, parents, and the community joining hands to recognize the teachers on their special day.
During the month-long campaign, teachers participated in various activities that included Search for Outstanding Teacher, Parent, Search for Outstanding Family of a Teacher-Parent, Teachers Got Talent, medical check-up for teachers, among others.
