Rev. Fr. Fernando Cruz Lopez, O.Carm., president of Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc. in Escalante, Negros Occidental, has this message to teachers on the occasion of the National Teachers’ Day/World Teachers’ Day and the culmination of the 2020 National Teachers’ Month.
This year’s theme, as per Department of Education Memorandum No. 63 series of 2020, is, “Gurong Filipino para sa Batang Filipino (Filipino Teachers for Filipino Children).”
The aim of the celebration is to
- honor those who are in the teaching profession;
- acknowledge and give emphasis on the crucial role, loyal service and dedicated commitment of teachers in developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities, and building the nation;
- revitalize the image of and respect for teaching as a vocation by increasing public awareness on the value of teachers in the Philippine society;
- take the occasion as an opportunity in building the image of teaching as an attractive and fulfilling profession;
- generate widespread support and assistance for teachers; and
- express gratitude for the positive influences of teachers on Filipino learners.
As we celebrate this occasion, join us in praying for our teachers.
Giver of All Wisdom and Greatest of all Teachers,
Look upon our teachers with love
Grant them the resolve
To nurture our eager minds
And to never give up on us who fall behind
Bless their hearts
For they rejoice when we succeed
And encourage us when we fail
Endow them with gentle patience
For the path of learning is never easy
Kindle a spirit of passion in them
It is the flame that ignites the love of learning in us
Help them see the potential in each student
Their belief in us means much more than the grade we make
Instill in them a commitment to keep on learning
It shows us to not fear new knowledge and experiences
Inspire them to touch the future
They influence how big a dream we dream for ourselves
Bless our teachers who have come before
for their work endures to this day
Let the light of Your example shine upon all teachers:
To build up with their words
To love with their mind
To share with their heart
Amen.