My Teacher, My Hero

About the TEACHER’S MONTH CAMPAIGN

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE TEACHER’S MONTH CAMPAIGN IN THE PHILIPPINES

In 1993, UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared October 5 as World Teacher’s Day – a day to recognize teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths & adults through the life-long learning process.

Realizing the need to encourage heightened public participation, then De La Salle University President and now Education Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC approached Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña to initiate the idea of institutionalizing the event through a nationwide advocacy campaign. Recognizing Metrobank Foundation’s contribution in uplifting the image of the teachers, this new endeavour is seen as an opportunity for the public to pay tribute to the country’s educators.

Thus in 2008, the Teacher’s Month Campaign (TMC) was conceived. Joining Metrobank Foundation and De La Salle University were Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Campaigns Social Response (CSR), with the special participation of the Department of Education (DepEd) and some other key business institutions and major media partners. They constitute the Steering Committee. From its conception, the Committee encouraged not only its partners but also other organizations to take part in this endeavour.

Hand in hand with its partners, the TMC aims not only to disseminate information but also to create various venues for the public to be able to express their gratitude towards their teachers. The TMC aims to remind the public of the nobility and essence of the teaching profession and the role it plays in shaping an individual, families, the community and the nation as a whole. In 2008, the major show of gratitude was putting up the largest “Thank You Banner” composed of personally handwritten thank you messages and expressions of gratitude by students from several universities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces and cities. The Teacher’s Month Campaign was relaunched in 2009 with the theme “My Teacher, My Hero” and continued in 2010. A TMC Council of Leaders is chaired by Mr. Washington Sycip, Founder of the SGV Group, while the Steering Committee is co-chaired both by Mr. Sobrepeña and Secretary Luistro. More government education institutions, private companies, and major organizations have joined the Campaign. A Prayer for Teachers was formulated and recited nationwide 10:05 A.M on October 5, led by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. Earlier, Malacañang has issued Presidential Proclamation No. 41 “declaring the 1st Friday of September to October 5, 2010 as National Teacher’s Month.”

In recognition of the campaign’s success, the MBFI and TMC Steering Committee received a Merit Award in the 2010 Philippine Quill of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for spearheading the TMC. The 2010 Campaign won the Grand Anvil from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

In 2011, the TMC continues with the same theme and will be launched once again, during Metrobank’s 49th anniversary celebrations on September 5, 2011 highlighted by the awarding of the 2011 Metrobank Exemplars, and will culminate on October 5 as World Teacher’s Day