Bontoc, Mountain Province – “Behind every child who believes in themselves, is a teacher who believed in them first .”- Mathew Jacobson
In honor of World Teachers’ Day, the education sector of the Bontoc District gathered on September 27, 2024, at the Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS) Open Gym for the Bontoc District Teachers’ Day celebration.
With the theme “Empowering Educators. Strengthening Resilience. Building Sustainability”, the event gathered educators from public and private primary and secondary schools, along with the town’s local leaders, to give importance to the crucial role teachers play in shaping the community’s future.
The program featured inspiring messages from Mountain Province House Representative Maximo Dalog, Jr., Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., and Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., each emphasizing the significance of teachers in building a resilient and sustainable future for the Bontoc youth.
In his opening remarks, Community Affairs Officer June Pinayakan, representing Governor Lacwasan, expressed profound gratitude to the educators for their unwavering commitment to nurturing the youth. As the focal person for sustainable education, Pinayakan highlighted key initiatives of the provincial government aimed at supporting teachers and the education sector. Among these are incentives for competitors in regional sports events, the Brigada Pagbasa Teachers program, physical and wellness activities for teachers, and the Barangay Muna program.
He reassured the teachers that the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) is committed to backing their needs in school and their profession.
Likewise, Mayor Tudlong underscored the importance of continuous support for the education sector in Bontoc. He pledged that the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) will continue to allocate funds for public schools, district and provincial meets, annual Brigada Eskwela, youth leadership summits, and financial assistance programs for students.
In recognition of teachers and students who bring honor to Bontoc, the mayor promised continued cash incentives for both academic and sports achievements.
Reflecting on the Christian values of teaching, Mayor Tudlong compared the educators to Jesus, who brings out the greatest potential in every person to help them live abundant lives.
“In moments of challenge, remember that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Each time a student has a breakthrough, every time they light up with understanding, it is because of you. You plant the seeds of knowledge, nurture curiosity, and cultivate resilience. You are not just teachers; you are mentors, role models, and champions of hope,” Tudlong highlighted.
Mayor Tudlong concluded with a heartfelt tribute to his former teachers: “ You are shaping leaders, thinkers, and creators of tomorrow. Today, I urge you to take pride in your work. Celebrate your resilience and the countless lives you touch each day. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your boundless patience, and your passion for teaching. You are truly the unsung heroes of our society, and we are forever grateful for the light you bring into our lives. I hope I made you proud as one of your students.”
Political Affairs Officer ErlindoAgwilang, who represented Congressman Dalog, delivered a closing message that paid tribute to the lasting legacy of teachers.
“Today, we honour the contributions and vital role that teachers play in our lives. Their dedication, guidance, and support shape our society, and we come together to express our deep gratitude for their tireless work,” he remarked.
Agwilang further acknowledged the teachers’ role in cultivating students’ potential, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating their achievements.
“Sa lahat ng atingguro, isangmalalimnapasasalamatsainyosaaraw-arawnapagtuturo, pagmamahal, at dedikasyon. Kayo ang ilawnanagmumulatsa amin ng mga pinto ng kaalaman, ang gabaynanagtuturo ng tamanglandas, at ang inspirasyonnanagpapalakassa amin upangmaging mas mabutingtao. Mabuhay kayo sabiyaya ng makapangyarihangDiyos, “ he added.
Meanwhile, to show his support even if he was away on an important matter, Congressman Dalog, through Agwilang, donated an additional P20,000 amount of cash to the event, in addition to the funding from the Bontoc LGU.
It is to be noted that every year, the Bontoc LGU allocates a separate budget amounting to P60,000 as a financial contribution to defray or augment the expenses in celebration of the Bontoc District Teachers’ Day. This started in 2020 with the passage of the “Municipal Teacher’s Day Ordinance of Bontoc, Mountain Province”.
Meanwhile, an emotional moment during the World Teacher’s Day program was the “Trouble with Teacher’s Love” segment part of the event.This event, filled with gratitude and appreciation, allowed students to express their admiration for their teachers.
Two heartfelt testimonies were shared to honor educators who profoundly influenced their lives as they struggled as students but ultimately transformed due to the compassion and support of their teachers.
The first testimony was delivered by Job Kumalao, a graduate of Bontoc Central School (BCS), who passionately recounted the unwavering support and encouragement he received from his teachers, particularly during his secondary education.
“They always believed in me, even during the times when I lost my passion for school and doubted myself if I could still make it. Their patience and dedication motivated me to straighten up my life,” Kumalao shared.
He went on to describe a challenging period during high school when he strayed away from his studies, choosing vices over academics and ultimately dropping out. Afterwards, he enrolled at Angelicum College of Quezon City through Home Study, where he met two teachers he will always consider his “two angels. The two teachers, Ma’am Mathilde Fanusan and Ma’am Natividad Dauz, helped him realign his priorities and regain focus in life, even visiting him at the bar where he worked to encourage him to return to school.
Taking their advice to heart, he carried their wisdom with him throughout his studies, ultimately leading to his graduation from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, now known as Mountain Province State University, where he is currently employed.
This testimony resonated with many in the audience, echoing the experiences of numerous students who have felt the transformative influence of dedicated educators.
The second testimony was shared by PSSg Caleb ZimranFilog, a graduate of Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS), who recounted his successful journey while crediting his former teachers for laying the foundation for his achievements. Unlike Kumalao’s emotional narrative, Filog’s testimony was shared with humour, making the teachers laugh while also expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
“Without the guidance and mentorship of my teachers, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I was one of the troublesome students during our time, often causing chaos in the classroom and even provoking the angriest version of our then-principal, Ma’am Taguiba. I faced harsh consequences for my actions, but I held no grudges because I knew I deserved them. Through my experiences and the wisdom of my teachers, I learned valuable lessons. This is the opportunity where I thank you, my dear teachers, and all the teachers for your patience and perseverance that kept me and your students on the right path,” Filog remarked.
The celebration highlighted the invaluable contributions of teachers, reinforcing the community’s commitment to supporting their mission in shaping the future of Bontoc’s children and youth. ** Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan& Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay, Bontoc LGU
