Mercedes B. Suleik Considering my high regard for teachers, I am delighted to dedicate this piece to honor them, who have influenced, inspired and guided us as we sought to be educated and be prepared to meet life’s challenges. It is appropriate that our country gives tribute to teachers through the celebration of National Teachers’ Month (NTM) from September 5 to October 5 each year, with October 5 as National Teachers’ Day. It was in 2008 that, inspired by the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5 of each year, and at the behest of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), that Brother Armin Luistro, FSC, then President of De La Salle University, together with Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepena spearheaded the Teachers Month Campaign (TMC). Mr. Sobrepena has been an active and guiding spirit in our country’s campaign to honor teachers. NTM’s mission is to engage the public in appreciating the contribution of Filipino teachers and the nobility of the teaching profession. The NTM Coordinating Council (which is composed of various government agencies, educational institutions, private companies and non-government organizations that share the advocacy of appreciating teachers) spearheads the conduct of activities aimed at generating awareness and expressions of gratitude, leading to the long-term goal of creating a strong movement that cultivates a Filipino culture that celebrates all teachers’ service and heroism. NTM initiative was first conceived in 2008 with the theme, “Teacher Ko, Idol Ko!” The following year, the official tagline was “My Teacher, My Hero.” 2011 and 2012 were banner years for the campaign as President Benigno Aquino III issued Presidential Proclamation 242 which declared “the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers Month”. In 2012, Metrobank Foundation was invited to share the NTM initiative at the 2012 UNESCO World Teachers Day celebration in Paris, France. In fact, UNESCO has endorsed the Philippines to submit for the prestigious HAMDAM Prize for Education. In 2014, the NTM Digital Celebration was held for the first time. In 2015, more than 6,000 teachers participated in the first World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Philippine Sports Arena, which was graced by President Aquino. In January 2016, Republic Act No. 10743 was signed, officially designating the culminating activity on October 5 as National Teachers’ Day. Last year, 2017, collaborative efforts were made to intensify the culture of appreciation for teachers. A three-day experiential lecture series for teachers was implemented in partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the National Museum. Finally, reviewing the accomplishments and impact of NTM initiatives, since its inception in 2008, it has been able to influence multiple sectors and expand its reach to cover more areas nationwide, among which: 1. Support from the State through RA 10743 and Presidential Proclamation 242; 2. Involvement of more partners in the government and the private sector with a total of 532 initiatives enrolled in the NTM Calendar of Activities from 2012 to 2014 and an annual increase in the number of participating organizations since 2008; 3. Significant tri-media (print, broadcast, online) mileage valued at P600 million from 2012 to 2015; and 4. Two invitations to UNESCO World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Paris, France, and an endorsement from UNESCO Philippines to submit in the prestigious HAMDAM Prize for Education. [email protected]