As part of the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5, 2017, the Department of Education and the Region 1 Schools Division Office I Pangasinan organized PRAISE or Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (Araw ng Parangal at Pasasalamat). Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao welcomed educators and distinguished individuals from all over Pangasinan at the Balon Bayambang Events Center for an afternoon filled with tributes to the day’s honorees.

Quiambao stated, “Paborito ko talaga ang mga teachers!” He noted how he has been donating his salary as the town’s Mayor to Division I and II schools as a form of gratitude to the hardworking educators. He also remarked how the Pangasinan State University Bayambang campus has been producing the best teachers in the country. Further, Quiambao recalled that he supported PSU Bayambang in establishing the College of Information and Communication Technology 15 years ago. He then proudly announced that from less than 100 students, the college now has more than 1,000 students and graduates.

In the highlight of the program, Mayor Quiambao and other well-accomplished Pangasinenses — including 2nd Dist. Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil and 3rd Dist. Congresswoman Rosemarie ‘Baby’ J. Arenas — together with outstanding educators, were presented with the Gawad Pasasalamat Award for their service. Quiambao told the mentors, “May this honoring inspire all of you to continue to do better in your craft and serve as models to your peers and inspiration to your students.”

Teachers are instrumental in shaping both their students’ minds and personalities. For some, teachers have become mother or father figures who have helped them get through the most difficult situations in their lives. World Teachers’ Day is celebrated because educators’ years of hard work deserve to have even the slightest bit of admiration and appreciation.