CBCP to faithfuland 'Thank your teachers'

MANILA — Recognizing the laudable contribution of educators to the country, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the Filipino faithful to express gratitude to the tireless commitment of teachers to educate and mold young individuals into becoming responsible members of society. We would like to thank all those who have committed their lives in the teaching profession. We thank them for the service they deliver to our nation by their excellent teaching,” the CBCP said in a statement signed by its president, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.Paying tribute to the many teachers who have committed their lives to pursuit of their vocation, the CBCP urged Filipinos to uplift the plight of educators in the country and regard them as heroes” and true missionaries” of the modern times. In a recent statement, the CBCP expressed gratitude to educators who help mold the and hearts of young Filipinos. They give without counting the cost. They ‘develop in themselves, and cultivate in their students, a keen social awareness and a profound sense of civic and political responsibility… committed to the task of forming men and women who will make the ‘civilization of love a reality’,” the statement added.Dire circumstancesThe bishops noted the challenges faced by educators in the country, specifically emphasizing issues of migration, low pay, high student-teacher ratio, lack of professional experience, and lack of government funding, among many others. Even in the face of the seemingly dire situations that we find these educators in, they persist in their vocation because they believe in the cause of education, because they know that education gives hope and leads to social transformation,” they added.The CBCP said teachers are challenged to be brave amidst the turbulent times, urging them to heed the call to holiness and heroism. Teachers then look to Christ as example. By their witness of the faith and through their example, they make saints and heroes out of their students. They use the discipline of love to lead them to holiness and heroism,” it added.Improving educators’ plightThe bishops lauded the efforts of various parties who are working towards improving the plight of teachers amid the dire circumstances they face.But they urged country officials to go the extra mile” for there is still much to be done to uplift the conditions of educators in the country.The CBCP said this can be achieved with the help of legislators and budget personnel continuing to support the educational system priests strengthening catechetical institutions in schools and making parishes youth-friendly.The bishops also urged young Filipinos to love and respect their teachers, noting that they have sacrificed much of their lives to make you responsible members of society.” We appeal to the administrators of the schools to ensure that schools are places of encounter with God that your students and teachers experience God in your campus. Continue to give your teachers support they need so they can deliver quality education to the students,” they said. As pastors of souls you are teachers of the faith. Visit the public schools and be present in the youth of the schools, encourage and inspire the young people to choose education as a vocation… It is our prayer that the best ones among (the young) will find it in your hearts to be teachers,” the bishops added.(Jennifer M. Orillaza)