CALAMBA CITY (PIA)—Honoring the pillars of education on their special day does not mean giving gifts of monetary value, the Department of Education (DepEd) said, as the country marks National Teachers’ Month from September 5 to October 5.
Republic Act 10743 also declares October 5 as National Teachers’ Day in line with the global celebration of World Teachers’ Day.
Ariel Azuelo of the DepEd CALABARZON Public Affairs Unit said collecting student contributions to buy gifts and tokens is prohibited pursuant to the department’s ‘No Collection Policy.’
“Their gifts do not have to be something purchased. A letter, artwork, or a flower that they plucked is okay as long as they remember their teachers,” Azuelo said in an interview with PIA CALABARZON and Radyo Pilipinas Lucena’s Sulong Southern Tagalog radio program last Friday, Sept 5.
DepEd Order 19 series of 2018 limits voluntary student contributions to scouting memberships, Philippine Red Cross, Anti-TB Fund Drive, PTCA, school publication fees, and membership to other student organizations.
Azuelo added that recognizing the sacrifices and hard work of teachers to improve the country’s quality of education is the essence of celebrating Teacher’s Day.
“We can see their sacrifices and hard work in improving the quality of education in our country.”
Meanwhile, Eduarda Zapanta, Education Support Services Division chief, cited Memorandum 67 giving schools division offices opportunities to celebrate Teacher’s Day with the support of their respective local government units.
“Our division offices have already set celebrations and recognitions with the support of LGUs in their activities.”
Touted as a child’s second parents, teachers are honored for honing the youth as the country’s future leaders.
Teacher Abigail Urriza emphasized that students need not to give gifts on Teacher’s Day to show their appreciation.
“They don’t need to give gifts, but we appreciate the thought because [their efforts] make us feel that they value our hard work.”
For Janice Maglaqui, even a simple note means so much to show their students’ appreciation.
“These gifts are priceless because those messages were made out of love and appreciation of us. It’s always the thought that counts.”
With one of the highest enrollment rates in the country, DepEd CALABARZON has deployed around 111,248 teachers for School Year 2025-2026. (PB/PIA4A)
