Press Release
October 5, 2019

On World Teacher's Day, De Lima recognizes teachers' hardwork, sacrifices

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has paid tribute to teachers across the world for their great contribution and sacrifices in molding students to become productive members of the society and in laying their foundation to success.

In her message on World's Teacher's Day today (Oct. 5), De Lima, a former educator herself, reminded the citizenry to thank and show appreciation to their dedicated teachers for the latter's "crucial role in nurturing the hope for a better future."

"For literally going the extra mile, crossing rivers and mountains to get to their students, sometimes in makeshift classrooms under a tree, Filipino teachers are the embodiment of hard work and sacrifice," she said.

"They make the best out of whatever little they have. Despite low salaries and lack of supplies, they continue to persevere and dedicate all their efforts to provide quality education," she added.

Held every Oct. 5, the United Nations' (UN) World Teacher's Day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

According to UNESCO, the said Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.

The lady Senator from Bicol, meanwhile, agreed that being a teacher is a thankless job, saying teachers do not ask anything personal in return and are content to see their students learn and become skilled, honest contributing members of society.

De Lima shared a quote from the Greek poet Nikos Kazantzakis: "True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own."

"As a former law professor, it gives me great pride and joy whenever former law students of mine come up to me and tell me they are now lawyers, pursuing our shared causes of upholding justice and the rule of law," she added.

More than imparting knowledge that prepares students for their chosen careers, De Lima said she believes that teachers also play a very crucial role in instilling early on a clear sense of what is right and wrong among our youth.

Beginning 1986, the same year that she became a lawyer, until 1994, De Lima worked as a professor in San Beda Law for several subjects, to wit: Introduction to Law, Statutory Construction, Persons and Family Relations, Transportation Law and Private Corporation Law (now Business Organization).

Later in 2006 when she became an election law practitioner, De Lima resumed her teaching career and taught Election Law, albeit briefly, as she had to give up teaching anew to join and focus on public service in 2008.

De Lima remains detained on trumped-up drug charges fabricated by the vengeful Duterte administration. However, she continues to fulfill her Senate duties by filing bills and resolutions in detention.

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