ANGELES City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin is pushing for a "non-wage" benefit for all public school teachers in the form of free tertiary education at the City College of Angeles (CCA) for one of their dependents.

"This is one of my campaign promises and I assure you that during my administration, teachers will not be left behind. This is our way of giving back to the efforts of public school teachers," Lazatin said in the recent National Teachers' Month celebration.

According to the mayor, the City Government is committed to continue programs that will help the youth, as well as learning institutions.

"I just also want to share that our Special Education Funds (SEF) is being used properly. With the help of our First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin II, the fund for the rehabilitation and construction of new school buildings is now being implemented here in our city," he added.

For his part, Lazatin thanked the teachers for their contribution to quality education, which is a pillar to nation-building.

"Let us continue to work hand-in-hand for the future of our children, since development is already everywhere," he said.

Lazatin urged students to continue giving their love and respect to teachers who act as their second parents.

"Our selfless teachers molded your [students] lives to become productive members of society. Change starts at the academe and our teachers play an important role," Lazatin said.

"To our teachers, thank you for your sacrifices," he added.