House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Wednesday honored the country’s educators as the pillars of nation-building and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare and professional growth.

“Ngayong ipinagdiriwang natin ang World at National Teachers’ Day, buong puso kong ipinapaabot ang aking pinakamataas na pagpupugay sa ating mga guro, ang mga haligi ng edukasyon at tagapagtatag ng kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan (Today as we honor the World and National Teachers’ Day, I wholeheartedly extend my highest tribute to our teachers, the pillars of education and builder of the future of our youth),” Dy said before more than 2,000 teachers from both public and private schools during the Teachers’ Day Celebration at the Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan City.

Dy acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers amid rapid technological and social change, recognizing their steadfastness despite limited resources.

“Sa kabila ng kakulangan ng pasilidad, kabigatan ng trabaho, at hamon ng makabagong teknolohiya, patuloy kayong nagsisilbing ilaw ng pag-asa at inspirasyon (Amid the lack of facilities, a demanding job, and the challenges of modern technology, you continue to serve as the beacon of hope and inspiration),” he said.

The Speaker underscored the House of Representatives’ efforts to ensure that the education sector receives sufficient funding in the 2026 national budget, in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to prioritize the sector.

He cited the PHP928.52 billion allocation for the Department of Education in the 2026 national budget — equivalent to a historic four percent of the country’s GDP — as proof of the administration’s commitment to addressing classroom congestion, child malnutrition, and the lack of learning materials nationwide.

Dy likewise said the support of the government for educators is reflected in the benefits being provided under the current administration.

“Sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos, mas mataas na ang mga benepisyo at allowance na natatanggap ng ating mga guro (Under the Marcos administration, the benefits and allowances received by teachers are higher),” he said.

These include the PHP10,000 teaching allowance under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, the PHP7,000 medical allowance for qualified teachers, the Special Hardship Allowance for those teaching in remote areas, and the PHP1,000 annual Teachers’ Day incentive, among others.

Still, Dy emphasized that no monetary benefit can truly match the dedication and sacrifices of teachers and vowed that Congress would continue working to uplift the teaching profession.

“Bilang kinatawan ninyo sa Kongreso, mananatiling pangunahing layunin natin ang maisulong ang mga panukalang batas at programang magpapabuti sa kalagayan ng ating mga guro, mula sa makatarungang sahod at benepisyo hanggang sa mas maraming oportunidad para sa propesyonal na pag-unlad (As your representative in Congress, our main aim is to push measures and programs that will improve the welfare of teachers, from fair wages and benefits to more opportunities for professional growth).”

Cauayan City Mayor Ceasar “Jaycee” Dy Jr. and Schools Division Office (SDO) Cauayan Superintendent Cherry Ramos led local officials in welcoming the Speaker.

Ramos expressed her appreciation for his continued support for education, saying his presence “serves as an inspiration to teachers in their pursuit of excellence and service.”

The SDO of Cauayan City presented a plaque of appreciation to the Speaker in recognition of his steadfast advocacy for quality education and his leadership in Congress in championing the welfare of Filipino teachers. (PNA)