As Davao City joins the nationwide observance of National Teachers’ Month from September 5 to October 5, a Davao City councilor has paid tribute to the dedication of the men and women who devote their lives to the education and formation of the city’s children.
In her privilege speech on Tuesday, Councilor Antoinette G. Principe of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology commended the vital role of educators, stressing the behind every child is a teacher who imparts not only lessons but guidance and values that shape lives beyond the classroom.
“A teacher can be the person who notices that a quiet student has a talent that nobody else has seen. A teacher can inspire a child to dream of becoming a doctor, an engineer, an artist, a lawyer, a public servant or even a teacher someday. And behind many of the professionals and leaders we admire today is a teacher who once believed in them. That is the power of a teacher,” she said.
Principe emphasized that in Academic Year 2025 to 2026, more than 28,000 children were served through the City’s Child Development Centers under the Early Childhood Care and Development Program while Davao schools prepared for approximately 454,000 learners.
She also highlighted the city’s continuing investment in education including the City College of Davao which provides free higher education to Dabawenyo students through degree paths such as Early Childhood Education and Technical-Vocational Teacher Education.
The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) which opened last year, has already served over 1,000 learners under age seven through therapy and special education services. The city likewise sustains Madrasa and Indigenous People’s Literacy Programs, ensuring inclusive learning opportunities for diverse communities.
Principe added that these educational programs are vital because investing in education is not just about building schools or scholarships, but also about building people, families, and communities that shape the future of the city with teachers at the heart of this mission.
“It is our turn to stand with you. It is our turn to listen to your needs. It is our turn to make education a continuing priority. And it is our turn to make sure that those who dedicate their lives to shaping our children are themselves given the respect, support and dignity they deserve,” she added.
The councilor also proposed a resolution commending and recognizing all teachers, educators, child development workers and education personnel in Davao City for their invaluable service, dedication and contribution to the education and formation of the children and youth of Davao City in celebration of National Teachers’ Month 2026, with the theme “Teacher, Ikaw naman”. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal