Village Connect
Every Filipino’s journey begins in a classroom, where teachers spark curiosity, nurture dreams, and shape tomorrow’s leaders. This September, the 17th National Teachers’ Month (NTM) takes on deeper meaning as it highlights the crucial role of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)—reminding the nation that the seeds of learning planted by teachers at the earliest stage become the roots of lifelong success.
Led by the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC)—a coalition of over 60 partner organizations under the leadership of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the Department of Education (DepEd)—this year’s celebration reaffirms the conviction that nation-building starts with strong educational foundations. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara underscored this during the NTMCC meeting earlier this year: “In other countries, kindergarten is where they send their best teachers. Now, we are making that shift.”
Spotlight on Early Childhood Care and Development
The focus on ECCD this year recognizes the need to empower primary school teachers with play-based, age-appropriate, and digital learning tools. Partners such as the ECCD Council, Knowledge Channel Foundation, and Town4kids Pte. Ltd. are working closely with NTM to ensure that educators in the formative years are equipped to bring out the best in young learners.
Celebrating Educators Across the Philippines
Nationwide activities place teachers at the center of recognition and gratitude. RMN Foundation’s Idol Ko si Titser campaign gives Filipinos a platform to share inspiring stories of their mentors online, sparking a collective appreciation for educators.
Major milestones also mark the celebration: the Kick-Off Ceremony on September 7 in South Cotabato, the Mid-Month Celebration on September 21 in Dumaguete City, and the grand National Teachers’ Day on October 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Partners Turning Gratitude into Action
As lead convenor, MBFI continues to honor teachers through the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, while also opening The M in BGC to selected teachers with a private viewing of the 2025 MADE (Metrobank Art & Design Excellence) winners. This aims to inspire educators to weave creativity into their teaching.
Beyond tributes, partner organizations are offering training sessions on AI, financial literacy, well-being, and disaster preparedness, alongside perks such as discounts, freebies, and special treats—all small yet meaningful gestures of thanks.
A Movement for Every Filipino
Since its beginnings as the My Teacher, My Hero campaign in 2009, NTM has grown into a nationwide movement, institutionalized through Presidential Proclamation 242 (2011) and Republic Act 10743 (2016).
As MBFI Trustee Aniceto Sobrepeña reminds, “Behind every person in this room is a teacher who once nurtured our dreams. And if teachers can change the lives of so many, then we must do our part in changing theirs for the better.”
From honoring outstanding educators to empowering those guiding the youngest learners, the 2025 National Teachers’ Month reminds us all: by caring for teachers, we secure the future of our nation.
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