by Sofronio D. Arizala Jr.
MT, Officer-in-Charge, Nursery HS

The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire’s center.
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honor.

“I Think Continually of Those Who Were Truly Great”
By Stephen Spender

The excerpt from the poem above deciphers  who are truly great—those who face battles with an unyielding spirit, those whose hearts boast of passion no one can ever exterminate, those who have come to terms with their life’s purpose, and those who have spent their lifetime with a badge of rectitude in their names. Ergo, as the poem translates, teachers can be considered “The Truly Great”.

The sphere indeed recognizes and continuously pays tribute to their greatness.

Thus, every year, on the 5th day of October, the world celebrates the “Teachers’ Day”. In the Philippines, it is a month-long celebration which starts on September 5. This year, the Division of City Schools, Masbate City, has lined up a series of activities which kick-off on September 5, 2014 with a motorcade in the morning and tree planting in the afternoon.

These series of activities culminate on October, 3 2014 with a mass at the Masbate Provincial Athletic Grounds at 5:30 am to be followed by a “Fun Run” dubbed as “Heroes Run”. After the “Fun Run”, a sportsfest will be held with a short program highlighted with a cheerdance competition, mixed volleyball, basketball for ladies, 50 meter run, tug of war, dart, and chess. A wellness program sponsored by the City Mayor, Hon. Rowena R. Tuason, where teachers are enjoined to pamper themselves with massage, haircut, nail care, foot spa, and other similar beauty care.

In the evening, a concert featuring JohnoyDanao, will entertain the teachers with his soul-wrenching performance at the Magallanes Coliseum. He is the artist that has blossomed in the hands of the teachers and epitomizes how educators can create greatness with every life that they touch.

Hence, since time immemorial, the “The Teachers’ Day Celebration”, together with its activities, is in recognition of their greatness, is an accolade to their contribution to the youth, and will always be a never ending gratitude to their unwavering dedication to make a difference among our youth- that is constant, that is irreplaceable, that is universal.

Beowulf fought monsters and dragons to gain lasting fame. Zeus together with the Olympians defeated the Titans to gain rule of the earth. Teachers? They teach to touch and transform lives.

Must a person win wars in order to be considered great? Ask the teachers.