Every one of us remembers that one teacher who changed our life — the one who made us believe we could do more than we thought possible. This October, the Philippines did something special for all those changemakers. The country’s National Teachers’ Day 2025 celebration wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a heartfelt “thank you” to the people who shape the nation, one classroom at a time.
Honoring the Heart of Education
On October 6, 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) gathered around 12,500 teachers from across Luzon for a grand celebration at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event marked the highlight of this year’s World Teachers’ Day, National Teachers’ Month, and National Teachers’ Day festivities — all united under the theme “Together 4 Teachers.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the tribute, expressing gratitude to teachers who go beyond lesson plans and grading papers. “Teachers shape minds, touch hearts, and build a nation that we can be proud of — one student at a time,” said Marcos in his speech.
He also emphasized that the government is working to improve teachers’ welfare through better benefits and fairer workloads. It wasn’t just talk — DepEd showcased concrete efforts that show real change is happening.
DepEd’s Programs to Support Educators
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted several key initiatives aimed at making teachers’ lives better — both in and out of the classroom. Here are some of the major improvements announced during the event:
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₱7,000 Annual Medical Allowance – Given to over 982,000 teachers and school personnel to help with health and HMO expenses.
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Expanded Career Progression System – Ensures no teacher retires as a Teacher I, with new tracks up to Teacher VII, Master Teacher V, and School Principal IV.
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57% Reduction in Administrative Tasks – Only five essential school forms are now required, freeing teachers to focus more on teaching.
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Improved Vacation Service Credits – Doubled from 15 to 30 days, offering more time for rest, family, or recovery.
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Teacher Education Roadmap 2025–2035 – A long-term plan to modernize teacher training and align it with global education standards.
And the improvements don’t stop there. The government also announced plans to open 60,000 new teaching positions by 2026, supported by a ₱114.39 billion budget for salaries and benefits.
Did You Know?
The Philippines has been officially celebrating National Teachers’ Month since 2011 (through Presidential Proclamation No. 242), and National Teachers’ Day every October 5 (via Republic Act No. 10743), aligning with UNESCO’s World Teachers’ Day.
Investing in Teachers Means Investing in the Nation
Secretary Angara put it simply: “Our teachers have been the first to step up in every crisis.” From typhoons to pandemics, Filipino educators have shown unmatched dedication to keeping learning alive. That’s why DepEd is focusing not only on recognition but on real support — like reducing workloads, improving digital access, and ensuring fair pay.
Among the tech-driven initiatives is a ₱16 billion digitalization plan for 2026, which includes:
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240,000 new laptops for teachers
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Better school internet connectivity
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Expanded digital learning tools
DepEd also confirmed that the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) will soon be released to eligible teachers — a much-awaited recognition of their hard work.
Q&A: What Makes National Teachers’ Day Special?
Q: Why is National Teachers’ Day so important in the Philippines?
A: It’s more than a holiday — it’s a way to honor educators’ central role in shaping citizens, families, and communities.
Q: How does it connect to World Teachers’ Day?
A: The celebration aligns with UNESCO’s global observance, recognizing teachers everywhere as key drivers of progress and learning.
Q: What does “Together 4 Teachers” mean?
A: It’s a call for unity — reminding everyone that supporting teachers is a shared responsibility of government, communities, and families.
A Personal Note
I still remember my Grade 4 teacher who encouraged me to read out loud even though I was painfully shy. She believed in me long before I believed in myself — and that changed everything. That’s the power of teachers. They don’t just teach subjects; they shape self-esteem, resilience, and dreams. Every student, somewhere, carries a piece of a teacher’s legacy.
The National Teachers’ Day 2025 celebration was more than a ceremony; it was a reaffirmation of how teachers build the very soul of a nation. As DepEd’s theme says, “Together 4 Teachers” isn’t just for one day — it’s a reminder to keep supporting the people who make every classroom a place of hope.
So, who was the teacher that changed your life? Share your story — they deserve to be celebrated every day.