OVER 130 initiatives driven by the private sector through the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC) turned appreciation for teachers into action nationwide.
These collaborations led by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) amplified a nationwide movement which honored the dedication, resilience, and generosity of those who shape the minds and values of future generations.
NTMCC Chairperson and MBFI Trustee Aniceto M. Sobrepeña expressed his heartfelt appreciation to partner organizations, as he acknowledged their important role in sustaining the movement for teachers: ‘Your time, resources, and creativity have strengthened this movement of gratitude that now spans communities nationwide.’
Sobrepeña hoped that ‘.may we continue to nurture this spirit of appreciation beyond.September, ensuring that every teacher feels seen, supported, and celebrated throughout the year.’
Seventy-seven (77) private organizations enriched this year’s NTM celebration with a wide range of initiatives: from workshops and training sessions on innovative teaching strategies, tools on artificial intelligence, financial wellness, health and disaster preparedness, to exclusive perks like discounts, freebies, and special gifts. Others paid tribute through recognition programs and heartfelt media campaigns-all for celebrating and uplifting the nation’s educators.
United for teachers
ORGANIZED annually by the Department of Education (DepEd) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the celebration as he personally honored and expressed his deep appreciation for the country’s educators. The Chief Executive emphasized that teachers were the ‘true guests of honor’ that day because of their daily sacrifices and invaluable role in shaping the nation’s future.
‘On this National Teachers’ Day, we offer you our respect and our deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts and, in your own way, building a nation we can be proud of-one student at a time,’ Marcos Jr. said in his address.
For teachers, the NTM celebration serves as both a reminder and an encouragement-that they are never alone in their pursuit of excellence in education.
‘The celebration brings together educators from all walks of life, reminding us that we are part of a larger movement of love, learning, and service,’ said 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Engr. Amando Perfecto Molin. ‘It uplifts my spirit, especially during challenging times, and rekindles my passion to continue shaping compassionate, critical, and community-centered learners who will carry forward the values of peace, justice, and sustainability.’
Echoing this sentiment, Noel V. Sadinas-also an awardee-reflected: ‘The NTM celebration fostered a sense of unity and appreciation among teachers, reminding us that even our small acts can create ripples of positive change.’
‘Being named a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher has further strengthened my advocacy to make science education inclusive, relevant, and deeply rooted in the community,’ shared Dr. Angelo Mark P. Walag who is also an honoree.
Another awardee, Dr. Mylene Uy, added that the recognition reaffirms her belief that teaching is more than a profession but a lifelong commitment to nation-building.
As a tribute, MBFI also invited around 60 art teachers to an exclusive exhibition tour at The M in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where winning works of the 2025 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Competition were on display. Immersed in striking interpretations of Filipino life and creativity, the teachers found themselves rediscovering the power of art to inspire and educate.
‘It was a meaningful experience that deepened my understanding of our heritage,’ shared a teacher from Bagong Diwa Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila.
From its beginnings as the ‘My Teacher, My Hero’ campaign launched by the foundation in 2009, NTM has grown into a national movement institutionalized through Presidential Proclamation 242 (2011), which declared September 5 to October 5 as ‘National Teachers’ Month,’ and Republic Act 10743 (2016) which designated the latter as ‘National Teachers’ Day.’