MANILA -- Various teachers from different parts of the country expressed their gratitude over the weekend to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for giving them the platform to be heard and for empathizing with them through the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
Dr. Myra Borja Mangkabung, Schools Division Superintendent of Basilan, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said she felt valued by the simple gestures of President Marcos when he dedicated the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” to all teachers.
In her 50 years of teaching, Mangkabung recalled that it was her first time to visit the Malacañang on Sunday and attend a concert specially dedicated to educators.
“We are very happy now na may boses na tayo. Napapakinggan nila ang boses ng mga guro. We lift our Filipino people from poverty. So, maraming salamat, President [Marcos],” Mangkabung said.
Michelle Rubio, Education Innovation Ambassador of Sorsogon, echoed Mangkabung’s sentiments as she emphasized that it was only President Marcos who let them feel appreciated amid all the challenges they are facing brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rubio said the concert for teachers was the President’s way of expressing his concern for all teachers.
“Kaya po ako ay natutuwa po na isa tayo sa mga nakadalo dito at nagkaroon ng konsyerto para sa ating mga kaguruan para maipadama ng ating Pangulo ang kahalagahan naming mga guro,” Rubio added.
Engr. Reynaldo Ramos also emphasized that the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” was not just a presentation of Filipino talents, but also an effective way for the Marcos administration to show its special concern for educators.
Ramos added that the concert “really boosts” their morale as teachers.
“Having this event inside the Malacañang, it really boosts our morale as a teacher na napapahalagahan ng ating gobyerno ang mga sipag, tiyaga ng mga guro sa Pilipinas,” Ramos said.
“Ito po ‘yung isang masasabi ko na isang ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ kung paano tayo makatulong sa ating bayan o sa ating bansa,” he added.
John Edward Atiwag, Master Teacher II of the Jose Panganiban National High School in Camarines Norte, said that they are happy and overwhelmed by how President Marcos is giving importance to their profession.
In his 10 years of teaching, Atiwag emphasized it was the first that a government organized a special event at the Malacañang grounds for teachers in time for the Teachers’ Month celebration.
“Talagang overwhelming and nag-uumapaw ‘yung kasiyahan naming mga teacher,” Atiwag remarked.
Jocelyn Edralin Cacho, Executive Assistant III Philippines Postal, also emphasized that the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign of President Marcos plays an important role in uniting the Filipino people.
Just like Cacho, teacher Eloisa Mangulad Mabborang and the Teachers of Central Mindanao University have also expressed their gratitude to President Marcos and to Vice President Sara Duterte for organizing the concert for teachers.
“Sobrang excited at sobrang nakaka-proud na maging teacher. Sobrang hinintay ko talaga ‘yung day na makapunta na talaga dito. Alam ko iyon din ang nararamdaman ng lahat ng mga teachers na kasama natin ngayong hapon,” Mabborang said.
For her part, Vice President Duterte said they are grateful to President Marcos for giving importance to all teachers as she thanked the organizers of the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” for a good show.
Vice President Sara Duterte, also the concurrent Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), assured all teachers that the Marcos administration, the national government, and the local government units (LGUs) will always support them.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa lahat ng mga guro sa serbisyo nila sa bayan natin at nagpapa-abot tayo ng suporta sa kanila na maging matatag sila sa hamon ng pagpapa-aral nang mabuti sa ating mga learners,” Vice President Duterte said.
“At nandito lagi ang Department of Education at ang buong national government kasali ang mga local government units natin na susuporta sa ating mga guro at mga paaralan,” she added.
The Office of the President organized the “Para Sa Mahal Nating Mga Guro” concert at the Malacañang grounds on Sunday upon the request of Vice President and Education Secretary Duterte as part of the administration’s effort to join them in celebrating Teachers’ Month this October. (PND)
