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TAGBILARAN CITY, September 6, 2023 – Emphasizing the Department of Education’s (DepEd) commitment to supporting teachers in the MATATAG Agenda, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte enumerated the plans of the Department to improve teachers’ welfare during the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) 2023 kick-off ceremony held at Bohol Wisdom School, Tagbilaran City, hosted by DepEd Region VII and Schools Division Office of Bohol.

“The Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda is not just a slogan. It is our roadmap to institutionalize reforms within the Department. This includes the protection of your rights and the promotion of your welfare,” VP-Secretary Duterte noted.

To improve teachers’ financial capacity, the VP-Sec. Duterte noted that the Department is coordinating with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to address concerns over accrued interests or arrears of teachers’ loans.

The Education Secretary also revealed that after the current school year, DepEd will give 30 days of uninterrupted rest to teachers to recover from school tasks.

“We make sure that in this year’s school calendar, teachers will have 30 straight days of rest during the break without any DepEd activity that requires volunteer work. On activities with voluntary participation, it will be scheduled after the 30-day break,” she noted.

Additionally, the VP-Sec. Duterte also reported that with the help of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the provision of 3,500 Administrative Officer positions and 1,500 Project Development Officer positions to be deployed in public schools to help teachers with their administrative tasks.

“Soon, you will be relieved from the administrative responsibilities that prevent you from focusing or enhancing our students’ learning,” VP-Sec. Duterte noted.

With the theme “Together4Teachers”, National Teachers Month 2023 aims to acknowledge and emphasize teachers’ crucial role, loyal service, and dedicated commitment to developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities, and building the nation. VP-Sec Duterte also acknowledged the help of the NTM Coordinating Council and private partners supporting the celebration of the NTM.

The NTM kick-off also featured the launching and unveiling the NTM commemorative stamp and signing the official first-day cover led by Mr. Luis D. Carlos, Postmaster General and CEO of the Philippine Postal Corporation.  Several teachers also showcased their talents in the Teachers’ Got Talent portion.

The celebration was also attended by Senator Imee Marcos, Governor Erico Aristotle Augmentado, and DepEd officials and personnel. The event was also held with the support the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC) through the NTMCC Co-Chair Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña.

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