Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No.

Introduced by
ACT TEACHERS Party-List Representative Antonio L. Tinio

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Sixty-two years ago, the fundamental right to education was enshrined in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. This right, however, continues to be denied to millions of
children and adults alike the world over. Teachers play a very significant role in realizing this
right.

World Teachers’ Day was inaugurated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994 to commemorate the signing on October 5, 1966 of
the Joint UNESCO-International Labor Organization Recommendation concerning the Status
of Teachers, a landmark document that sought to establish international standards to.
promote and protect the teaching profession

The Recommendation served as the basis for the enactment of Republic Act No. 4670, the
Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, in 1966. More than 100 countries now celebrate
World Teachers’ Day.

In the Philippines, teachers are among the most ravaged by the worsening economic crisis.
Overworked and underpaid, many of these noble professionals are compelled by hard times
to turn to foreign shores for much better pay.

Despite hardships attendant to their profession, such as low pay and meager benefits,
difficult working conditions, and minimal protection during election and census duties, our
teachers still carry on, molding the minds and hearts of our country's future. This bill sets
aside October 5 as a special working holiday in their honor, to enable the public to express
recognition and gratitude for their sacrifices.

Immediate approval of this bill is therefore sought.

LE

ANTONIO L. TINIO



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.

Introduced by

‘ACT TEACHERS Party-

ist Representative Antonio L. Tinio

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

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

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

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. \t 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.

SECTION 3. Date of Celebration. National Teachers’ Day shall be celecbrated as a special
working holiday on the fifth day of October of every day.

SECTION 4. Official Celebration. The Department of Education, Commission on Higher
Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are hereby mandated
to initiate the appropriate activities to celebrate National Teachers’ Day.

SECTION 5. Support and Assistance of Institutions Concerned. 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 National Teachers’ Day.

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

Approved,