HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Wednesday joined the Schools Division Office of Cauayan City’s Teachers’ Day Celebration, honoring the country’s educators as the pillars of nation-building and reaffirming 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,” Speaker Dy said before more than 2,000 teachers from both public and private schools gathered at the Isabela Convention Center.
The Speaker 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,” he said.
Speaker Dy stressed the House of Representatives’ efforts to ensure that the education sector receives sufficient funding in the 2026 national budget. He pointed out that “sa pagbuo ng budget na ito, tinugunan natin ang panawagan ng Pangulo na bigyan ng pansin at sapat na suporta ang sektor ng edukasyon.”
He cited the ₱928.52 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.
He said that “ang halagang ito ay nakaayon upang resolbahin ang mga agarang pangangailangan habang namumuhunan din tayo sa pangmatagalang reporma sa edukasyon.”
The Speaker likewise pointed out the support of government for educators is reflected in the benefits being provided under the current administration.
“Kita rin natin ngayon ang malinaw na suporta ng Pangulo sa sektor ng edukasyon. Sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos, mas mataas na ang mga benepisyo at allowance na natatanggap ng ating mga guro,” said Dy.
He enumerated key programs under the Marcos administration, including the ₱10,000 teaching allowance under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, ₱7,000 medical allowance for qualified teachers, the Special Hardship Allowance for those teaching in remote areas, and the ₱1,000 annual Teachers’ Day incentive.
Still, Speaker Dy emphasized that no monetary benefit can truly match the dedication and sacrifices of our teachers.
“Alam naming hindi pa rin ito sapat, dahil walang katumbas ang oras, pagod, at sakripisyo ninyo para sa inyong mga estudyante. Gagawin namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang matiyak na makukuha ninyo ang suportang nararapat sa inyo.”
He 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.”
Cauayan City Mayor Ceasar “Jaycee” Dy Jr. and SDO Cauayan Superintendent Cherry Ramos led local officials in welcoming the Speaker. Superintendent 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 Schools Division Office of Cauayan City presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Speaker Dy in recognition of his steadfast advocacy for quality education and his leadership in Congress in championing the welfare of Filipino teachers.
The Speaker concluded his remarks by thanking all the teachers present.
“Sa lahat ng mga guro ng Cauayan City at buong Cagayan Valley, maligayang World and National Teachers’ Day. Kayo ang tunay na bayani ng ating bayan. Maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang paglilingkod at patuloy na inspirasyon. Mabuhay kayong lahat!”
