Teachers’ group wants Oct. 5 a special non-working holiday
A teachers’ group on Tuesday asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to declare Oct. 5 as a special non-working holiday for teachers.
“This is not just about a rest or incentive day for us, this is a morale booster. A state recognition of the importance of teachers’ contribution to society.” Benjo Basas, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) national chairman, said.
Basas cited the importance of the issuance of the Executive Order in honor of the teachers pursuant to UNESCO’s declaration as World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5, 1994.
The UNESCO’s declaration was in commemoration and recognition of the “Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers” signed on Oct. 5, 1966 by the Special Intergovernmental Conference on the Status of Teachers.
The document is so far the single most important universally accepted document which recognizes the teachers’ role and importance in the society.
“The Philippine State is one of the signatories to that document and therefore duty-bound to put the spirit of UNESCO declaration in practice.” Basas said.
Basas also mentioned South East Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam where the official celebration of teachers’ day began in 1956, 1957 and 1958, respectively.
Basas also cited the recent presidential discretion on declaring holidays that could also be employed to the would-be first ever official celebration of world teachers’ day in the country.
Oct. 5, 2009 marks the culmination of TDC’s three-day National Convention, where 10, 000 teachers are expected to gather at the Rizal Stadium in Manila to be followed by a cultural caravan to CCP Complex. (PNA)