LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – If there is one thing that Education Secretary Leonor Briones and Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda have in common, both of them are children of teachers.

The officials pointed this out on Thursday, October 5, during the observance of National Teachers’ Day in Legazpi City, Albay.  (READ: #ThankYouTeacher: Netizens praise second parents, mentors)

So it came as no surprise that the Department of Education (DepEd) and Albay, led by Briones and Salceda, respectively, partnered to mount the day-long celebration paying tribute to Filipino teachers around the world.

According to Salceda, his mother served as a public grade school teacher while his father taught high school. 

“I am here to thank you and in so doing do, I also thank my father and my mother,” Salceda said before the 6,000 teachers who joined the celebration at the Ibalong Centrum in Legazpi City. 

Watch the full speech of Congressman Joey Salceda here: 

DepEd secretary

Briones, on the other hand, said that she came from a “dynasty” of teachers. In fact, it was her mother who taught her how to write as early at the age of 3 years old.

“By the time I entered school at 4 years old, I was accelerated twice. I already knew how to read and write,” Briones said.  Her father is also a public school teacher. (READ: The education secretary who came from a ‘dynasty of teachers’) 

A former teacher herself, Briones urged teachers to continue learning something new every day in her speech. (READ: We owe our country’s success to teachers – Briones) 

Watch the full speech of the education secretary here: 

Inspiring story

Aside from Salceda and Briones, Ryan Homan, a teacher based in Sorsogon, also delivered an inspiring speech during the celebration.

He shared how he helped foster a love for reading among kids living in a far-flung Sorsogon village. He made this possible through a floating library called “Balsa Basa.” 

A state scholar when he graduated, Homan thought of creating the project as a way of giving back to the country who funded his education throughout high school and college. 

“Nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapasok sa Bicol University bilang isang iskolar ng bayan. Ang gobyerno po ang nagpaaral sa akin. Hindi ko po sinayang ang pagkakataon na binigay sa akin… Ginawa ko po ito kasi gusto ko po mag-give back,” Homan said. 

(I was granted the opportunity to study at Bicol University as a state scholar. The government funded my education. I did not waste the opportunity. I am doing this as a way of giving back.)

Watch his full speech here: 

Other speakers 

DepEd, the agency mandated to lead the celebration, also came in full force for the event. Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali graced the event to express his gratitude to all Filipino teachers.

 Watch his speech below: 

On the other hand, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal opened the program proper of the celebration by welcoming teachers from across the country to Legazpi City. 

Watch his speech below. 

More than 6,000 teachers from all over the country gathered in the City of Fun and Adventure on Thursday to mark their day. (IN PHOTOS: A daylong tribute to the country’s teachers) – Rappler.com