Marcos cites teachers' indispensable role, pushes for inclusive education

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday, National Teachers' Day, recognized the indispensable role of teachers and called for public support to advance inclusive education.

“Our teachers lie at the heart of our educational system standing as the second parents of our children and molding them into future leaders, changemakers, and nation builders. They play an indispensable role in preserving our country’s democratic values and way of life not only as stewards during elections but also as influencers of the younger generations,” Marcos said in his message.

“As we celebrate the National Teachers’ Day, we acknowledge our educators all around the world for imparting the values of excellence and hard work among our students and nurturing them to become the best versions of themselves,” he added.

Marcos cited teachers "for the sacrifices they make through the policies and reforms implemented in the education sector" and mentioned ways the government is honoring their service.

Under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, public school teachers get additional teaching allowance, personal accident insurance and special hardship allowances, he said.

There are also initiatives being pursued which are aimed to enhance teachers' skills through professional development and career advancement opportunities so they can be at par with their counterparts abroad, the President added.

Marcos then urged the public to help in advancing inclusive education.

“As we face the pressing challenges of our time, I ask everyone to channel our efforts towards advancing inclusive education that facilitates success for all learners and ushers in a better and brighter Bagong Pilipinas for us all,” he said.

On Thursday during the National Teachers' Day celebration in Quezon City, Marcos called on the Department of Education, public and private school teachers, and other government agencies to work together to improve the quality of education in the country.

He also vowed to provide a more balanced and conducive work environment for public school teachers. 

"Public school teachers will be properly compensated once they exceed the prescribed six hours of classroom teaching every day. We are instituting these measures to foster a more balanced and conducive work environment for our public school teachers,'' Marcos said in his speech. —KG, GMA Integrated News