City Schools Division Superintendent Laida Mascareñas encouraged all teachers in Puerto Princesa City to do their best in providing quality education to students and the youth.
This was part of her message on October 4 when she served as guest speaker at the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the General Parent Teacher Association (GPTA) led by its president Raymond Quilang and at the Teachers’ Day celebration of the Puerto Princesa Pilot Elementary School.
Mascareñas said the Department of Education and local officials recognize the hard work and sacrifices of teachers who act as second parents to students. She said efforts are being made to support them not only in the city but nationwide.
Mascareñas assured that they will continue visiting schools to personally check the challenges faced by teachers and help find solutions.
“Ang kailangan lang natin, my dear teachers, ang kailangan lang natin ay talagang gawin natin ‘yung lahat ng kaya nating gawin para sa ating mga kabataan ng lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. ‘Yun lang ang kanilang hinihintay mula sa atin, ‘yun lang ang kanilang ini-expect mula sa atin bilang kapalit ng lahat ng tulong na kanilang mga ibinibigay sa atin,” she said.
Mascareñas said they would visit classrooms not to reprimand teachers but to listen to their concerns and find ways to help improve their teaching.
She added that her team had been instructed to approach these visits with understanding and without anger.
She also expressed gratitude for the dedication of teachers.
“All your efforts, your tireless efforts, your passion, this do not remain unnoticed. Alam namin ‘yan at hindi lang namin kayo mapuntahan palagi,” Mascareñas added.
During the event, Councilor Epitacio “Jie” Lao Jr. announced that the city council is expediting the approval of a proposed ₱2,000 monthly allowance for teachers in Puerto Princesa.
“Nagtulungan kami sa council na pabilisin ang pag-approve kasi alam namin na ‘yung P2,000 ay kulang na kulang ‘yan sa inyong sakripisyo,” Lao told the teachers.
Vice Mayor Jimbo Maristela and Palawan 3rd District Representative Atty. Gil Acosta Jr. were also present and both expressed full support for teachers and schools in the city.
Maristela expressed admiration for the teachers’ patience and dedication in shaping the minds of students.
He said their daily efforts from Monday to Friday help prepare the youth for the future and urged them to continue guiding and educating the next generation.
“Sabi nga, hindi lang sapat na itanim natin ‘yung buto para sa ating mga mag-aaral kundi araw-araw mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes ay sila ay tinutulungan n’yo na mahubog ang kanilang karunungan para maging handa sa susunod na kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Kaya mabuhay po ang mga guro at sana ay wag kayong magsasawa na turuan at hubugin ang ating mga kabataan,” he said.
Acosta, meanwhile, assured that he will help improve school facilities.
He vowed to improve not only school buildings but also other facilities for students.
He said he would seek help from the DICT to provide computers and assured that within six months, by January, efforts would be made to address these needs.
“Hindi lang school buildings kundi pati ‘yung facilities na para sa mga bata para matutukan natin. We will make sure na pati mga computer, we’ll be asking the DICT para magbigay. Just give me 6 months, pagpatak ng January, hahanap tayo ng paraan,” he promised.
