CEBU, Philippines — Pangilinan-led PLDT-Smart Foundation vows to motivate Filipino teachers by highlighting their huge contribution to the Philippines’ educational system, by setting up a series of events for National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers Day.
The “Gabay Guro”, a flagship advocacy project and education arm of PLDT-Smart Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and its partners—Metro Pacific Investments Corp., PLDT Inc., mWell, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, and PLDT-Smart Foundation—Gabay Guro hosted its annual grand gathering on September 29, 2024, at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.
Themed “Teachers Inspiring Change, Building the Country’s Future,” the 17th year Gabay Guro gathering featured performances by well-known celebrities. Teachers who attended the event had the chance to win giveaways and raffle prizes.
According to Gabay Guro chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla, the event was aimed at celebrating the role of teachers in shaping the country’s future.
Following the grand gathering, Gabay Guro also held the first-ever Wellness Fest on October 6, 2024, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
This year, the “Gabay Guro” program is working mWell, to emphasize the importance of health and wellness of teachers, offering activities such as fitness sessions, nutrition advice, telemedicine, and a Zumba class.
Wellness experts and celebrities will also be present to guide teachers on their wellness journey.
“We have added a new pillar: wellness. Our goal is to positively impact teachers so they can, in turn, promote wellness in their schools and among their students,” said Revilla.
Aside from honoring teachers across the country, Gabay Guro has also supported scholars pursuing a degree in education. To date, Gabay Guro program has supported over 3,000 scholars and provided more than a thousand laptops, digital accessories, and internet connectivity to over 70 partner schools in 29 municipalities.
Gabay Guro has also donated close to 60 double classrooms to 22 beneficiary cities, added Revilla.
The PLDT-Smart advocacy project has provided face-to-face seminar workshops to over 50,000 teachers across nearly 100 locations nationwide. It has supported more than 5,000 teachers and their families by offering various livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The initiative also introduced the Gabay Guro Super App, which has been downloaded by over 140,000 teachers nationwide, and partnered with mWell to offer the country’s first fully integrated, fully digital health and wellness app, making it easily accessible to teachers. — (FREEMAN)