Thank you, teachers!

Today, 5 October, we join the observance of National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day. It also marks the culmination of National Teachers’ Month, which is observed from 5 September to 5 October. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Teacher, Ikaw Naman,” recognizing the service and dedication of our teachers to our young people.

I am deeply grateful to our teachers. I would not be where I am today without the lessons and guidance I received from my own teachers. I also had teachers who were kind, patient and genuinely concerned about their students. To all our teachers, thank you for your service.

We know that teaching is not easy. Beyond the hours spent inside the classroom, teachers prepare lessons, check papers, guide their students and sometimes even spend their own money on materials needed for teaching.

As your senator, one way we can show our appreciation for our teachers is by pushing for laws and programs that help them in their work and daily needs.

One measure I supported as a co-author and co-sponsor in the Senate is Republic Act 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act. Under the law, the teaching allowance of public school teachers is P10,000 every year beginning School Year 2025-2026 and in the succeeding years. It may be used for teaching supplies and materials, incidental expenses and other needs related to different learning modalities. The allowance is also exempt from income tax.

This additional allowance is important because we know that many teachers spend money from their own pockets just to provide what their students need. We should continue looking at other ways to improve their welfare and working conditions.

In 2025, I also filed Senate Bill 410, or the Across-the-Board Monthly Allowance for All Basic Education Teachers Act of 2025. The measure seeks to provide an additional monthly allowance to public teaching and non-teaching personnel in basic education, on top of their existing salaries and benefits. Its proposed coverage includes nationally and locally funded personnel, as well as those working in alternative learning and distance learning systems.

I will also continue advocating for better salaries, benefits and incentives for our teachers. Teaching carries many responsibilities, especially when educators must also deal with the rising cost of daily needs and expenses related to their work. As a senator, I will continue to give attention to their welfare and raise their concerns whenever I can.

Teachers play an important role in the life of every student. Education stays with us throughout our lives, and much of what we learn comes from the patience, hard work and guidance of our teachers. Education is something that will never be taken away from us.

On this Teachers’ Day, I once again thank all our teachers across the country. Thank you for your dedication, compassion and continued guidance of our young people. May we continue to support them and give them the recognition they deserve for their service.

Meanwhile, over the past week, our Malasakit Team continued to bring government services closer to those in need. We immediately extended assistance to fire victims in Valenzuela City and Malabon City.

We also provided assistance to indigent residents in Muntinlupa City and Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

We also helped our fellow Filipinos in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, gain temporary employment, while our Malasakit Team delivered additional assistance to scholars in Makati City.

Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kung anuman ang kabutihan na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik pa sa mundong ito.

As Mr. Malasakit, I will work hard and continue to be of service to the best of my ability dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.