Aquino declares Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 as Natl Teachers Month

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has declared September 5 to October 5 of every year as "National Teachers' Month." Aquino made the declaration in Proclamation No. 242, which was signed on August 24, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. "The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated October 5 of every year as World Teachers’ Day, which is a day to celebrate the central role that teachers play in guiding the children, youth and adults through the life-long learning process," Aquino said in the proclamation. Aquino also stressed the need to generate support in the Philippines for "World Teachers’ Day," celebrated October 5 worldwide. He said the occasion can be used to celebrate the role and service that teachers play in guiding families, strengthening communities, and building the nation. Value of teachers Aquino said the celebration of National Teachers Month aims “to revitalize the image of teaching as a vocation by increasing public awareness on the value of teachers in Philippine society and national development." Upon recommendation by the Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC) Steering Committee, he also endorsed the recitation of the "National Prayer for Teachers" during the National Teachers’ Month. Aquino enjoined all concerned departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, various local government units, private sector and the public to actively participate and support activities and programs for the celebration of the occasion. Aquino said the TMC was conceived in July 2008 by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI), De la Salle Philippines (DSLP), Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), and Campaigns Social Response (CSR), with the special participation of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the support of key business institutions. He said the campaign has generated more support from government, private companies, and major organizations in 2009 and 2010. - VVP, GMA News