Over 130 initiatives driven by the private sector through the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC) turned teacher appreciation into action nationwide. These collaborations, led by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), amplified the nationwide movement to honor the dedication, resilience, and generosity of those who shape the minds and values of future generations.

Teachers enjoy an exclusive tour of the 2025 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Exhibition at The M. (Photo: Metrobank Foundation)
NTMCC Chairperson and MBFI Trustee Aniceto M. Sobrepeña expressed heartfelt appreciation to partner organizations, acknowledging their important role in sustaining the movement for teachers. “Your time, resources, and creativity have strengthened this movement of gratitude that now spans communities nationwide. May we continue to nurture this spirit of appreciation beyond the month of September, ensuring that every teacher feels seen, supported, and celebrated throughout the year.”
Seventy-seven (77) private organizations enriched this year’s National Teachers’ Month celebration with a wide range of initiatives—from workshops and training sessions on innovative teaching strategies, AI tools, financial wellness, health, and disaster preparedness, to exclusive perks like discounts, freebies, and special gifts. Others paid tribute through recognition programs and heartfelt media campaigns, all united in celebrating and uplifting the nation’s educators.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. graced the National Teachers’ Day celebration, organized annually by the Department of Education (DepEd), at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena to personally honor and express his deep appreciation for the country’s educators. He emphasized that teachers were the true guests of honor that day, honoring their daily sacrifices and invaluable role in shaping the nation’s future.
“In this National Teachers’ Day, we offer you our respect and our deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts, and, in your own way, building a nation we can be proud of, one student at a time,” President Marcos said in his address.
For teachers, the NTM celebration serves as both a reminder and an encouragement—that they are never alone in their pursuit of excellence in education. “The celebration brings together educators from all walks of life, reminding us that we are part of a larger movement of love, learning, and service. It uplifts my spirit, especially during challenging times, and rekindles my passion to continue shaping compassionate, critical, and community-centered learners who will carry forward the values of peace, justice, and sustainability,” said 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Engr. Amando Perfecto Molin.
Echoing this sentiment, Noel V. Sadinas, also a 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher, reflected: “The NTM celebration fostered a sense of unity and appreciation among teachers, reminding us that even our small acts can create ripples of positive change.”
As NTM’s lead convenor, MBFI continues to champion teachers through the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, which has been honoring exemplary educators for four decades now. The 2025 awardees were acknowledged during the National Teachers’ Day celebration at SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena, inspiring fellow educators with their stories of dedication and excellence.
“Being named a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher has further strengthened my advocacy to make science education inclusive, relevant, and deeply rooted in the community,” shared Dr. Angelo Mark P. Walag, 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher. Another awardee, Dr. Mylene Uy, added that the recognition reaffirms her belief that teaching is more than a profession but a lifelong commitment to nation-building.
As a tribute, MBFI also invited around 60 art teachers to an exclusive exhibition tour at The M in BGC, Taguig—where the winning works of the 2025 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Competition were on display. Immersed in striking interpretations of Filipino life and creativity, the teachers found themselves rediscovering the power of art to inspire and educate. “It was a meaningful experience that deepened my understanding of our heritage,” shared a teacher from Bagong Diwa Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila.
From its beginnings as the “My Teacher, My Hero” campaign launched by the Metrobank Foundation in 2009, NTM has grown into a national movement institutionalized through Presidential Proclamation 242 (2011), declaring September 5 to October 5 as National Teachers’ Month, and Republic Act 10743 (2016), designating October 5 as National Teachers’ Day.