SEPTEMBER is the month dedicated to Teachers, their roles in helping shape the future of the nation, extolled in various fora. They deserve no less, for nurturing the minds, heart and soul of learners, arming them with knowledge, skills and values that will help them succeed in their chosen vocations. Some are fortunate to land in the honor roll of the Ten Outstanding Teachers, an annual search for achiever mentors sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation. Their accomplishments in making a difference, in the name of education and youths entrusted into their care, are essayed for others to emulate and serve as inspiration. Selfless dedication to duty and welfare of students are primordial to them. They are those who have exemplified the real essence of professional facilitators of learning and have nurtured state leaders, businessmen, entrepreneurs and many other successful individuals. Secretary Armin Luistro of the Department of Education (DepEd), urged students nationwide, to say “Thank You” to their teachers. This call must be echoed in all educational institutions like Lyceum of Subic Bay, as there are many among our young people nowadays, who seem to have forgotten the word GRATITUDE! They fail to realize what difference it would make for a hardworking teacher, to hear a simple “thank you” message from her wards; how much this could inspire and cause a smile on her lips, despite a hoarse voice, tired body and sagging spirit after a whole day’s grind. Anyway, it will not cause anything to say thank you with a smile. After all, “smile is the cheapest gift” students can possibly offer their mentors! There are however, so many teachers equally dedicated to their mentoring responsibilities who remain unheralded, especially those stationed in remote areas, seldom visited if at all, by education officials and media. They walk muddy ricefields, cross streams and rivers or go up the mountain, just to get to their schools, to serve young people, hungry for knowledge and wisdom. Many times, they lack the facilities like electricity, books, access to technological equipment that could boast the teaching-learning process. They are the unsung heroes, who deserve the respect, admiration and recognition heaped on others, fortunate to be in a better place of assignment. Thank You, dear Teachers! Lyceum of Subic Bay is not bereft of real professional teachers, who perform their responsibilities beyond the call of duty. As President, I am very proud and thankful, that you are part of the Lycean family, who share the same passion, mission and vision that will bring LSB to greater heights and its studentry to more academic and non-academic achievements. I am most thankful for sticking it out with management through highs and lows and being there when needed most. I may not be with you always in school, as I have to attend to other concerns, but I am assured that LSB will run smoothly because you are all there! I am just as close, monitoring the school operation and is quite satisfied with what I hear and see. Anyway, “closeness has nothing to do with distance.”

Thank you again Teachers and Moulders of the Youth! Mabuhay kayo!