Teacher’s Day Celebration 2018: “Gurong Pilipino, Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko”

By Mary Rose Baal, Julie Nacario and Jennilyn Tucio This year’s celebration of the World Teacher’s Day of the Organization of Private Schools in Camarines Sur (OPSCSI) was a total success, as it had been dynamically participated in by the delegates from the member schools of the organization in the different districts of Camarines Sur. The schools were gathered once again in this momentous event held annually to rekindle the invaluable dedication of educators as among the greatest professions in the world. Through the years, Filipino teachers remain steadfast in influencing the lives of the Filipino youth of today. The program started with a solemn ecumenical service led by the representatives from various religions. It was followed by a lively call of the participants as the zealous teachers present their impromptu yell when their respective districts were called. Every yell oozed with creativity and innovation. Among the five districts, it was District 1 that has the loudest and synchronized yell, thereby garnering warm applause and laughter from the crowd. Mrs. Marinel R. Bagasala, the OPSCI President, rendered a heart-touching opening remarks through an originally written poem about the sacrifices, dedication and love of teachers to their humble profession. This was followed by a message of inspiration and encouragement to the private schools teachers from the Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Cecille Bernadette P. Rivera, CESO V. An informative talk on bullying and Data Privacy Act of 2012 was given by one of the country’s accomplished lawyers, Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada. The discussion centered on the practices and behavior of the teachers and students which included some of his first-hand experiences in dealing with numerous school cases. The talk was concluded by a short open forum where Atty. Joseph generously shed light on the queries of the teachers. The last leg in the morning was marked by a special question and answer number rendered by Quintin Nava Breboneria Jr. aka “Ms. Lucky Queen Becky” who made it to the semi-finals of Ms. Q and A in the noon time show It’s Showtime. In the afternoon, the private schools teachers actively jumped and grooved in the Dances of Decades. The convention center was filled with an hour of energy and music of the ages. Afterwards, the schools that served for five years and more were given plaques of appreciation by the OPSCSI to recognize their dedication and commitment of serving their communities with quality education. This was also done alongside the raffle draw where more than 100 winners bagged varied prizes. The event also showcased the many facets of the teachers’ talents and creativity in the field of performing arts through the districts’ SAYAWIT presentations where four of them received three thousand pesos, while the winner received five thousand peso cash prize. The teachers’ day was concluded by drawing two winners of four thousand pesos, and where a teacher who has been in the field for 23 years has deservedly won the grand prize amounting to seven thousand pesos. It was truly a day of celebration and jubilee for the teachers in the private schools who have long endured the challenges in their field and who have passionately committed themselves to be of service to the students. These incomparable individuals have truly lived up the mission of honing and opening the possibilities of self-actualization and lifetime growth of the students. Indeed, “ang turo ng guro ay s’yang susi sa matagumpay na kinabukasan ng mga bata”.