Mayor dares teachers to improve quality of education

MAYOR Celso Lobregat has aired an urgent appeal to all teachers to exert all efforts to help improve the quality of education by lowering the dropout rate and improving students' performance in the national achievement test in Zamboanga City.

Lobregat issued the challenge on Saturday during the Teachers' Summit attended by some 10,000 elementary and secondary school officials and teachers and organized by the Division of City Schools in celebration of Teachers' month from September 5 to October 5.

The Summit's keynote speakers were Education Assistant Secretary Elena Ruiz and Education Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera.

"The City Government of Zamboanga has done its share, in fact, the city government has done more than what is expected and the challenge now is for you to make sure that the dropout rate will be decreased, the cohort survival rate will increase and the performance of students in the national achievement test will improve," Lobregat said after rolling out his administration's governance practice in education from 2007 to 2012.

Since improving the city's financial condition, Lobregat has initiated starting in 2007 the massive and sustained investment in education that has reached P1.38 billion as of June 30, 2012.

The local government under Lobregat's administration has placed so much priority to education as it is part of the social contract with the people of Zamboanga as embodied in the City Development Strategy (CDS).

The City Government's investment in education includes the construction, repair of school buildings, fences, comfort rooms, stages, covered courts and other education-related projects in public schools-all intended to ensure a better future for the city's youth.

Lobregat has cited the very crucial and significant role played by teachers in the lives of every individual.

"Without teachers, there would have been no professionals in our midst. Without my teachers, I would not have become mayor today neither you would become teachers today," he said stressing that teachers are not only the sources of knowledge, but it is from them where people always find guidance, friendship, discipline and love.

He took the opportunity of thanking the teachers for the work they are doing for the young children and on a personal note, he expressed gratitude to the teachers for the support and cooperation to his administration.

"The opportunity you have given me to serve the city not only for one but three consecutive terms is very rare and extraordinary. Words are not enough to express how grateful my administration is to you, for all your contributions to the city and for supporting the efforts of the local government to serve the Zamboangueño people," he added.

The celebration of Teachers' Month themed "My Teacher, My Hero," is pursuant to Proclamation 242 of President Noynoy Aquino and a Department of Education memorandum circular. (Bong Garcia)