Photo: Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi (October 6) — More than 2,000 teachers gathered here for an early World Teachers’ Day celebration, where Bangsamoro education officials pledged to listen to educators—a commitment that puts greater focus on whether their concerns will translate into concrete support beyond the annual recognition.
The Oct. 3 gathering, led by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the Tawi-Tawi Schools Division, carried the theme “Teacher, Ikaw Naman – A Day to Honor. A Time to Say Thank You!”
Acting Deputy Minister Atty. Abubakar A. Katambak said the celebration should also be an opportunity for education officials to hear teachers and assure them that they have institutional support.
“Together, we are here to celebrate with you and listen to you. I hope that seeing you here today helps you feel that you have people you can depend on. We are ready to listen,” Katambak said.
His message places listening at the center of teacher support, particularly in a province where educators serve learners across island and geographically dispersed communities.
Katambak also thanked the teachers for their service, saying there was “something special” about being with them in Tawi-Tawi.
Newly installed OIC Tawi-Tawi Schools Division Superintendent Rajis S. Abdulwahid likewise highlighted the demands placed on teachers, recognizing the time, patience, knowledge and care they give to learners.
“Today, we celebrate the people who spent their lives, their days, their time, patient, knowledge, and love for our learners,” Abdulwahid said.
“These are the people who are with us today, our beloved teachers. This celebration is all for you. Enjoy, celebrate and know that you are valued,” he added.
The officials’ messages, however, put the emphasis not only on appreciation but on the responsibility of education authorities to ensure that teachers are actually heard and supported.
The celebration itself featured performances and other activities, including a raffle sponsored by MBHTE, the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi and parliamentary district representatives-elect.
Tawi-Tawi Vice Governor Al-Syed A. Sali also underscored the connection between teacher welfare and learning outcomes.
“Gusto ko happy ang mga teachers natin. Happy teachers mean happy pupils. ‘Pag happy ang pag-aaral, maganda ang resulta,” Sali said.
Republic Act No. 10743 declares Oct. 5 as National Teachers’ Day in recognition of educators’ contribution to nation-building. World Teachers’ Day is also observed every Oct. 5.
The Tawi-Tawi event was attended by MBHTE officials, including Director General for Basic Education Abdullah P. Salik Jr., Director General for Higher Education Marjuni M. Maddi, Director General for Technical Education Ruby A. Andong, Assistant Regional Cabinet Secretary Atty. Sittie Mariam S. Balahim, schools division superintendents and other MBHTE personnel.
For the MBHTE, the more consequential measure of the celebration may be what follows it: whether the promise to listen results in responsive policies, resources and working support for the teachers who carry the day-to-day responsibility of educating Bangsamoro learners.
