OCTOBER 5 TO BE NAMED NATIONAL TEACHERS' DAY

Senator Edgardo J. Angara is sponsoring Committee Report No. 76, for Senate Bill No. 1094, which seeks to declare October 5 of every year a a special non-working public holiday in celebration of National Teachers' Day.

"There is a gross lack of recognition being given to teachers all over the country," explained Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture. "Their contribution to teaching and training our children is invaluable. It's time we did something for them in turn."

The measure seeks to award special discounts to teachers--whether in public or private institutions, engaged in alternative learning systems, or whether in part-time or full-time basis--on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of October of each year. These discounts include lodging and recreation establishments, cinemas, domestic fare and goods, among others.

Local government units (LGU's), school boards and SUC's are also given the liberty to award Teachers' Day Bonuses to their faculty members.

It also mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to create a system of rewards and incentives to outstanding teachers in public and private schools.

"Teaching is often a thankless profession," said Angara, a former UP President. "It is only fitting that they receive incentives for their outstanding performance. After all, it is the country that ultimately benefits from having good teachers who educate our youth and future workforce."

SB 1094, originally introduced by Senator Manny Villar, was reported out jointly by the Committees on Education, Arts and Culture, Local Government and Ways and Means, and is currently pending second reading.