‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No__ 1978

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was originally introduced as House Bill No. 3409 by the undersigned
Rufus B. Rodriguez during the 15" Congress where it was approved by the
Committee on Basic Education and Culture and consolidated into House Bill No.
4097. It was subsequently approved on 2” reading, approved on 3 reading and was
transmitted to the Senate where it was not acted upon.

Teachers in the Philippines not only shoulder the task of providing better
education to the country’s students, they also endure hardships in the performance of
their functions.

Teachers are “not allowed" to be let their personal problems get in the way of
their profession. Even if they are experiencing problems, they report to their
classrooms and muster enough courage to put on a happy face and touch the hearts,
minds and lives of their students

‘Also, itis no secret that there are teachers in the Philippines who risk life and
limb just to be able to teach deserving students in far-flung areas not connected by
roads and areas which do not even have proper classrooms. They even teach in war-
torn areas where they are in constant danger of being killed or kidnapped.

Teaching is a passion and somebody must love to teach in order to do it well.
As such, teachers should be rewarded in any way possible.

In line with the celebration on the World Teachers’ Day on the 5” of October
annually ever since 1994, the Philippines should also celebrate on the same day, the
National Teachers’ Day,

In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RUBUS B. RODRIGUEZ

1.

MAXIMO B RODRIGUEZ, JR.



SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No_ 1978

AN ACT
DECLARING OCTOBER 5 OF EVERY YEAR AS “NATIONAL TEACHERS’ DAY”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “National Teachers’
Day Act of 2013”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to
recognize the essential role of teachers in the educational and moral advancement of
the people, especially the youth, and the importance of their contribution to the
development of our society.

‘SEC. 3. Date of Celebration. — The National Teachers’ Day shall be celebrated as a
special working holiday on the fifth (5") day of October of every year.

‘SEC. 4. Official Celebration. — The Department of Education, the Commission on
Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are
hereby mandated to initiate the appropriate activities to celebrate the National
Teachers’ Day, including but not limited to:

2) Information drives all over the Philippines informing Filipinos of the
importance of teachers;

(b) Awareness sessions, like story-telling and art workshops to be
conducted in the different barangays all over the Philippines to be
participated in by the children; and

(©) Free medical and dental check-ups for teachers.

SEC. 5. Support and Assistance of Educational Institutions. — All public and private
educational institutions in the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels are hereby
mandated to provide their full support and assistance to events and activities to be
conducted by teachers and students in recognition of the National Teachers’ Day.

SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in at least one (1) newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,