Bato Balani Foundation Inc (BBFI) and Diwa Learning Systems Tribute to Teachers

Big Tribute to Teachers Set

Hundreds of educators from all over the country will converge on September 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center, Quezon City for A Tribute to Teachers.

A Tribute to Teachers, a project of Bato Balani Foundation Inc (BBFI) and Diwa Learning Systems, is the country's biggest and most anticipated gathering of educators. This year, it will carry the theme The 21st Century Filipino: A Filipino at Heart, Spirit, and Soul.

Saturnino Belen, BBFI Chairman and Diwa President says, "The teacher of the 21st century has become more important than ever. This is despite and because of the increasing use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as well as globalization of education in the Philippines. Since the 21st century learner is more exposed to these technological innovations, the teacher's guidance, wisdom, and love balance the high-tech with high-touch."

The event also celebrates the National Teachers Month, which recognizes the teachers' roles in nation building.

A highlight of the event is the announcement of this year's set of honorees for The Many Faces of the Teacher advocacy program, which seeks to inspire educators with remarkable stories of teachers' heroism.

The Many Faces of the Teacher is the yearly search for educators who have inspiring stories that may be shared for others to emulate. These stories include accounts of perseverance, purpose, and faith in shaping generations of youth. "The Tribute to Teachers and The Many Faces of the Teacher are programs which we hope can provide the needed morale boost for educators in this country," says Lorna Belen, BBFI President.

Pop princess Sarah Geronimo and Ballet Philippines' principal dancers Candice Adea and Jean Marc Cordero will lead the honoring of the teachers. Both Adea and Cordero are attending the event, fresh from their recent victory at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition, one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions.

For more information, log on to www.diwa.ph

(BTW, our honorees are available for interview on September 28.  We have a very interesting set of honorees this year.  We have a duo who teachers in the mountains of Davao, a teacher from Sultan Kudarat who specializes in slow learners, an alternative learning system teacher from tuguegarao who teaches OSYs, tricycle drivers and housewife and finally a teacher who established a program to help students at risk of dropping out.)