President Marcos fetes teachers with Palace concert

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino educators were treated by President Marcos to a free concert at Malacañang on Sunday night in line with the celebration of National Teachers’ Month. 

Marcos was joined by First Lady Liza Marcos, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, Sen. Imee Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other government officials.

The concert dubbed as “Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa Mahal Nating mga Guro,” was held at the Mabini Hall, named in honor of Filipino hero Apolinario Mabini, who was also an educator. 

Hundreds of teachers from different parts of the country were treated to performances by multi-awarded theater actors Gerald Santos, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Ima Castro. 

Other performers were rap trio MC Leandro, B.O.N. and Delicano Uno; and vocalists Alex Dagaleam, Rommel Arellano, Bea Sacramento and Luke dela Cruz.

The Central Mindanao University Music Society, Douglas Nierras Powerdance and Philippine DanceSport Federation also showcased their talents. 

In 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared Oct. 5 as World Teachers Day. 

In the Philippines, the National Teachers’ Month is celebrated from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 pursuant to Proclamation 242 series of 2011. 

Republic Act 10743 signed in 2016 also declared the fifth day of October of every year as National Teachers’ Day.  

Malacañang also held this year the Konsyerto sa Palasyo for soldiers and their families in April, and Filipino athletes in August. 

According to Malacañang, the President initiated the concert series himself, which aims to feature the country’s “best up and coming artists.”