MESSAGE ON TEACHER'S DAY AND OPENING OF CLASSES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Sa halip na salubungin ng selebrasyon ang pagbubukas ng klase at ang Araw ng mga Guro, lalong sumasambulat sa atin ang mga problemang dulot ng pandemya sa sektor ng edukasyon.

Many face the threat of contracting COVID-19. Millions of students are not able to enrol because of the lack of finances. Thousands of teachers have been displaced and lost their jobs because of the closure of private schools.

Despite these health risks and hurdles, however, we once again witness the resilience and commitment of our teachers who never waver to fulfill their duties and advance the welfare of students.

Mula sa mga tumatawid pa ng ilog at naglalakad ng kilo-kilometro para magturo, sa mga di-magkandaugaga sa paghahanap ng signal ng internet para sa online classes, sa mga nag-aabono para tugunan ang kakulangan sa kagamitan, sa mga nagbabahay-bahay para makapagbigay ng module, sa inyong lahat na isinasantabi ang takot at pangamba, maraming, maraming salamat po, mga mahal naming guro.

We can never thank you enough. The least we can do to genuinely honor and recognize your sacrifices is to address your concerns and give the needed assistance to lessen your burden. This is why I reiterate my support in urging DepEd to fill its vacancies in teaching positions to fully implement the blended learning modality this school year. I likewise support DepEd's plan of hiring para-teachers to assist our teachers and the distance learners with their lessons.

Rest assured that I will also push for measures which seek to increase your salary and provide additional allowances and hazard pay, especially during these perilous times.

Together, we can overcome any challenge for our teachers and students, and hope for a better future for all of us. Have a safe and meaningful Teacher's Day!

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame

5 October 2020