Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 5483

Introduced by Honorable Erlinda M, Santiago

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare October 5 of every year as National
‘Teachers’ Day and providing special privileges to all teachers all over the
Philippines.

To quote Mr. Christopher Maboloe, a teacher of Philosophy at the
Ateneo de Davao University, “The right thing to do, in this regard, is to
upgrade the quality of education in all schools in the country. Obviously,
this cannot be attained by simply revamping the curriculum. You have to
give teachers, public and private schools, enough motivation and the kind of
respect that they deserve by improving their pay.” In this essence, other than
the adjustment of remuneration, additional or special privileges for teachers

serve as motivating factors to sustain the passion and drive of the teach

As educators, teachers play a vital role in our education system. They
shape the competence and character of the Filipino youth. Their invaluable
contributions in molding the values and character of the young generation
cannot be underestimated and their unwavering service, commitment and
support to make educational system at par with the global educational
standards are truly recognizable

Since 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) declared October 5 of every year as “World
‘Teachers’ Day” with the aim of mobilizing support for teachers and ensuring
that the needs of future generations will continue to be addressed by the
teachers. The World Teachers’ Day represents the awareness, understanding
and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make in the
education and development of our youth.



To generate widespread awareness for the “World Teachers’ Day,”
President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 242, dated August
24, 2011, declaring the period from 05 September to 05 October of every
year as “National Teachers’ Month.” Proclamation No. 242 seeks to

revitalize the image of teaching as a vocation by increasing awareness on the

value of teachers in Philippine society and national development. The
National Teachers’ Month highlights the central role that teachers play in
guiding our youth through the life-long learning process.

‘This bill declaring October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Day
will give meaning to our gratitude and appreciation for the valuable service
of all teachers, both active and retired, and assure them of special privileges
for their unique role priceless contribution in guiding families and

strengthening communities.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought
1 7.
RLINDA M.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No,___ 5483

Introduced by Honorable Erlinda M.

Santiago

AN ACT
DECLARING OCTOBER 5 OF EVERY YEARE AS NATIONAL
TEACHERS’ DAY AND PROVIDING SPECIAL PRIVILEGES TO
ALL TEACHERS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. October 5 of every year is declared as the National
Teachers’ Day in the Philippines to celebrate the central role of teachers
in guiding the children, youth and adults through the life-long learning
process.

For purposes of this Act “teacher” refers to all persons engaged in
classroom teaching, in any level of instruction, on full-time basis,
including guidance counselors, school librarians, industrial arts or
vocational instructors and all other persons performing supervisor or
administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities, public or
private, but does not include school nurses, school physicians, school

dentists and other school employees.


SEC. 2. In celebrating the National Teachers’ Day, teachers are
entitled to the following privileges:

a) Free transportation services on the use of Mass Rail
Transit, Light Rail Transit and Philippine National Railways;

b) Free use of lodging establishment or housing camp owned
by the government located in any place of the country; and

c) Grant of twenty percent (20%) discount from
establishments such as restaurant, bookstore, department stores,
theaters, cinemas, museum, parks, and similar places.

SEC, 3. In the availment of the privileges, the teachers may

present any of the following:

1) A valid certificate of registration and a valid profess
license issued by the Professional Regulation Commission;

2) Identification Card issued by the schools, colleges,
universities or any educational institutions; and

3) Other documents such as Government Service Insurance
System membership card, Social Security System card or teachers’
association or organization membership card.

SEC. 4. Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the
Secretary of Education shall, in coordination with the Chairperson of
the Commission on Higher Education, the Secretary of the Interior and
Local Government and the Secretary of Transportation and
Communications, issue the necessary Hales Zana regulations for the

effective implementation of this Act.


SEC. 5. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations and other
issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly

SEC. 6, This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,