When my parents told me to get "Education" as a course back in college,of course I didn't agree. I want to be a nurse back then, but because we're not that rich I have no choice. In my four years in college I've learned all the hardship that Filipino teachers endure: the sleepless nights doing lesson plans and visual aids. And of course the crazy students at school. I remember my critique teacher back then saying, "Imagine the classroom as a jungle, there are different animals. There are tame ones and there are crazy ones!" I finished my course but I didn't take the board exam because I have plans of studying again. I'm teaching others now by... blogging :)

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC has urged the nation to look kindly at our teachers and give them the recognition they deserve by saying “thank you” to them. “All of us were once students and we all have at least one teacher who have made a difference in our lives and to whom we owe who we are today,” Luistro said.

The education chief is taking the lead in the celebration of the 2012 World Teachers’ Day set on October 5 in Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City. CDO was chosen as this year’s venue to highlight the heroism of teachers during the onslaught of Sendong.

DepEd is continuously looking for ways to further improve the economic lot of public school teachers as well as their professional advancement. “But I do believe that if only we, as a nation, learn to appreciate the value of teachers, the rest of our needs (as a nation) will be provided much easier. A nation that is unable to appreciate the contribution of a teacher is a nation that is unable to see a bright future,” explained Luistro.

In a press briefing yesterday, the Education chief expressed his thanks to his former college professor in De La Salle University, Professor Emerita Quito, as one of his life changing teachers. He said “Prof. Quito taught me that life is beyond textbooks and Philosophy is everywhere.”

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared September 5 to October 5 every year as National Teachers’ Month (NTM) through Presidential Proclamation 242 signed in 2011.

The NTM seeks to empower Filipino teachers by engaging the public in creating a strong movement that cultivates a Filipino culture that celebrates the service and heroism of all teachers.

DepEd is enlisting the support of teachers groups, student organizations, educational institutions, private corporations, professional organizations, media, corporate foundations and the local government units in coming up with novel ways to celebrate the teaching profession.

Thank you teachers!