To get them ready for the start of the academic year, the Navotas City government held a three-day professional advancement seminar for teachers, Mayor John Rey Tiangco said yesterday.

The seminar was conducted in two batches late last month, accommodating some 1,600 public school teachers and non-teaching personnel in the coastal city.

Entitled “Stewardship: Pangalagaan ang Sarili, Pangalagaan ang Propesyon,” the seminar aimed to renew the passion and vigor of local educators with regard to their profession as well as teach the value of self-love, the Daily Tribune was told.

Tiangco underlined the need for teachers to take care of themselves so they could take care of others.

“You cannot give something you do not have. Learn to accept and love yourself for only then can you genuinely give and receive love,” he said.

He also emphasized people are the most valuable resource, and teachers are the ones who help develop and harness their potential.

“While our schools need to have complete facilities and equipment, I believe it is more important to ensure that we have teachers who can inspire their students,” Tiangco said.

Meanwhile, Tiangco told members of the Camanava Press Corps the local government has started giving “Balik Eskwela” bags and school supplies to 7,000 day-care and Grade 1 pupils.

The city chief executive cited the need for children to attend school and advised parents to be mindful of their children’s health and wellness.

“Education is crucial for our children to achieve their potential and be able to succeed in life. Let us persevere to keep them in school and encourage other parents to let their kids get the quality education they deserve,” Tiangco said.

He added: “At the same time, let us make an effort to ingrain in our children the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by letting them sleep at least 12 hours a day and keeping them away from junk food.”

Prior to Balik Eskwela, the mayor also handed out bags and school supplies to some Grade 6 and Grade 12 students in the 10 public elementary and secondary schools in District 1.

In a related development, city’s public information officer Irish Cubillan said the city government had employed some 300 young Navoteños under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

The beneficiaries, who were Grades 10-12 and college students, were assigned to various offices at the Navotas City Hall to do mostly clerical duties.

“Small tasks build discipline. Do not underestimate their power to teach you valuable lessons in life,” Tiangco said during the SPES’ closing program.

Tiangco narrated when he was young, he was made to file paid checks from suppliers according to their numbers. The task seemed mundane but he later learned its importance when he took up a business course in college.

“The duties assigned to you were menial but they played significant roles to the success of the daily operation of the city hall,” he said.

“No matter how small your tasks may be, remember that they have meaning and they contribute to the achievement of our goals,” he said.

He then encouraged the SPES beneficiaries to pursue their studies and continue learning.

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