ILOILO — More than 10 municipalities in Iloilo province have suspended classes and school-based work this Monday, October 5, turning the observance of National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day into a province-wide tribute that gives educators, school personnel and learners time to take part in activities honoring the teaching profession.
As of 2 p.m. Sunday, October 4, local governments that had announced suspensions included Dueñas, San Joaquin, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, San Enrique, Estancia, Carles, Banate, New Lucena and Leon. Balasan also announced a suspension, according to reports.
The observance comes as the country concludes National Teachers’ Month, held annually from September 5 to October 5 under Proclamation No. 242. Republic Act No. 10743 also declares October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Day, while the date is observed internationally as World Teachers’ Day.
The municipal governments said the suspensions were intended not merely as a break from regular classes but to allow teachers and school communities to meaningfully participate in activities recognizing educators’ contribution to learners and communities.
In Dueñas, Mayor Robert Martin Pama suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools.
“In observance of National Teachers’ Day, classes in all levels public and private in the Municipality of Dueñas are postponed/suspended on Monday, October 5, 2026. This is to give due recognition, honor, and appreciation to our dedicated teachers for their invaluable service, guidance, and contribution to our community and the youth,” Pama announced.
Classes in Dueñas will resume on Tuesday, October 6.
San Joaquin’s Mayor Joe Abad Lazaro Jr. likewise ordered the suspension to provide a meaningful opportunity to recognize the contributions, dedication and sacrifices of teachers and education personnel in shaping learners and communities.
The San Joaquin suspension covers learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and school-based operations, subject to applicable rules and directives of their respective agencies and governing authorities.
In Barotac Nuevo, Mayor Bryant Paul Biron suspended classes and regular school-based work at all levels in public and private schools, from preschool to tertiary.
“The suspension is intended to allow meaningful participation in the celebration, subject to applicable issuances. This covers learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and school-based operations, subject to the applicable rules and directives of their respective agencies and governing authorities,” Biron announced.
Personnel performing essential functions in health, disaster preparedness, emergency response, security and other critical services necessary for the protection of life, liberty and property are excluded from the suspension.
San Enrique’s Mayor Gian Carlo Niño Fernandez also suspended classes and regular school-based work at all levels.
“The Municipality of San Enrique announces the suspension of classes and regular school-based work in all levels, public and private, from preschool to tertiary, on Monday, October 5, 2026, in observance of National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day. This covers learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and school-based operations,” Fernandez announced.
Balasan’s Mayor Filomeno Ganzon similarly announced a suspension, stressing the significance of recognizing educators.
“This special day recognizes and honors the dedication, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of our teachers in shaping the future of our children and our community,” Ganzon said.
In Dumangas, Mayor Braeden John Biron issued Executive Order No. 72, Series of 2026, suspending classes at all levels in public and private schools.
“Classes in all levels, in both public and private schools in the Municipality of Dumangas, are suspended on Monday, October 5, 2026, in observance of National Teachers’ Day and to ensure the safety and general welfare of teachers, learners, and the community during the celebration’s activities,” the executive order stated.
The Dumangas government said the suspension would give teachers and learners an opportunity to participate in and observe the nationally recognized occasion.
Under DepEd Memorandum No. 051, Series of 2026, the National Teachers’ Month, National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day celebrations seek to honor members of the teaching profession and highlight their crucial role in developing globally minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities and building the nation.
The celebration also seeks to restore and strengthen respect for teaching as a vocation, promote the profession as attractive and fulfilling, cultivate wider public support for educators, and express gratitude for their positive influence on Filipino learners.
The wave of class suspensions underscores the recognition by Iloilo local governments that October 5 is not simply another date on the school calendar, but an occasion to give teachers themselves the time and space to be honored for their work./PN