ILOILO City — As the nation honors its educators, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas has called for stronger institutional and community support for teachers whose expanding roles now go far beyond classroom instruction.
DepEd Region 6 director Dr. Cristito Eco said teachers should not only be celebrated for their sacrifices but also be given the support they need to continue educating and guiding the next generation.
His message capped the observance of National Teachers’ Month from September 5 to October 5, coinciding with National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day yesterday.
Eco hailed thousands of teachers across Western Visayas as the country’s “unsung heroes and nation builders,” stressing that their contributions are often made quietly through everyday acts of patience, resilience and sacrifice.
Beyond delivering lessons, he said educators have increasingly taken on multiple roles as mentors, innovators, guidance counselors and advocates for their learners.
The regional director invoked national hero Jose Rizal’s maxim that “without education and liberty, which are the soil and sun of man, no reform is possible.”
Eco said today’s teachers embody that principle by devoting their time, abilities and commitment to developing Filipino youth and preparing them for the future.
But the responsibility of educating children should not rest on teachers alone.
DepEd-6’s month-long tribute also underscored the need for stakeholders, families and local communities to rally behind educators and ensure that they receive adequate institutional support to effectively perform their increasingly demanding responsibilities.
Eco said the influence of teachers extends beyond school campuses, helping strengthen families, communities and the values carried by young people into adulthood.
“Your dedication inspires hope, your service strengthens our communities, and your unwavering commitment shapes the future of our nation,” Eco expressed.
“May you continue to teach with passion, lead with courage, and serve with a heart for every learner. Mabuhay ang ating mga guro, ang mga tunay na bayani ng bawat silid-aralan at ng ating Bayan,” he added.
DepEd-6 said its continuing focus on learner success and instructional excellence includes efforts to uplift educators as they guide Western Visayas’ education sector toward a more progressive and empowered future./PN
