IN celebration of Teachers’ Day, over 4,500 teachers and non-teaching personnel from Palo, Sta. Fe, Alangalang, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tanauan and Tolosa in Leyte’s 1st District were honored Sunday as beneficiaries of the “AKAP para kay Ma’am at Sir” initiative.
This program is a part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), which was made possible through the collaborative efforts of House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the Tingog Partylist, led by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre.
“Mahal na mahal ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang mga Pilipino, lalo na yung mga taga-Leyte. Kaya lahat ng nahihirapan sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin ay matutulungan natin dito sa AKAP ni PBBM,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives.
The celebration was made even more exciting with performances by Wacky Kiray, who entertained the audience and added a dose of laughter to the meaningful gathering.
During the event, raffle prizes were also given out, with 10 lucky individuals receiving P10,000 in cash and another 10 fortunate winners awarded brand-new laptops. These prizes were personal gifts from Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Partylist, adding an element of surprise and joy to the celebration.
Representing Speaker Romualdez was Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog Partylist. In his keynote message, Acidre expressed the Speaker’s unwavering commitment to expanding this initiative to cover all public school teachers in the province and eventually those in private schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs).
He said the initiative represents a broader mission to ensure that teachers, who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, are properly supported and appreciated.
“Speaker Romualdez deeply values the sacrifices and dedication of our teachers. This program is a token of our gratitude, and it’s just the beginning. We envision a future where every teacher, whether in public or private institutions, will feel the support of the government for their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future leaders,” Acidre said in his address.
The event was also attended by key officials from the education sector, including the DepEd Region 8 Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero, Assistant Regional Director Ronelo Firmo and Schools Division Superintendent Mariza Magan, who expressed their gratitude for the program and acknowledged the essential role it plays in uplifting the morale of educators.
The recipients of the financial aid also expressed their profound gratitude. Many of the teachers shared how this timely assistance would help them support their families, especially amidst rising costs.
One teacher remarked, “This program is not just a financial blessing; it’s a reminder that our efforts as educators are valued. Speaker Romualdez and the Tingog Partylist have truly touched our hearts today.”
Rep. Yedda Romualdez said the “AKAP para kay Ma’am at Sir” initiative is more than just a financial assistance program; it is a sincere tribute to the heart and soul of the education system – our educators.
Speaker Romualdez, the DSWD, and Tingog Partylist have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting educators, recognizing their lasting impact on shaping a stronger, brighter future for the country.
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