Lipa City, Batangas – October 13, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) paid tribute to its dedicated educators through a two-part Teachers’ Day celebration held on October 6 and 13, 2025. The events reflected the university’s culture of gratitude and recognition toward the faculty’s unwavering commitment to education and student formation.
The first part of the celebration, held on October 6, 2025, was organized by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs with the theme “Kape’t Tinapay: Alay sa mga Gurong Walang Kapantay.” The event, conducted after the weekly flag-raising ceremony, served as a simple yet heartfelt gesture of appreciation to the teachers who continuously nurture and shape young minds. Faculty members were treated to hot coffee and bread, symbolizing warmth and gratitude from the university community. The initiative highlighted how even the simplest acts of kindness can express deep respect for the educators’ invaluable service.
The celebration continued the following week, October 13, 2025, as the UBLC College Student Government (UBSG) – the highest student governing body – spearheaded a vibrant tribute filled with engaging activities and creative expressions of gratitude. The program featured the Awarding Ceremony for Top-Performing Faculty Members, along with several special recognitions honoring excellence and dedication in teaching. Adding excitement to the celebration were raffle draws sponsored by supportive partners, offering pamper day treats and home appliances as tokens of appreciation for the faculty.
Complementing the formal program were a series of interactive booths, including a coffee bar provided by The Good Brew: Batangas Kapeng Barako, where educators enjoyed both coffee and non-coffee beverages, and a grazing table prepared by the same partner. Meanwhile, the creative Pick-and-Press booth, sponsored by J&J Events and Gifts Galore, allowed teachers to design and personalize their own tote bags as meaningful souvenirs of the celebration.
In an interview, Ms. Marjorie Anne Caringal, Vice President of the Student Government, emphasized the council’s intention to make this year’s celebration “more engaging and inclusive.” She stated, “Our aim is not just to award the top-performing faculty, but also to recognize every teacher of UBLC College for their hard work during the academic year. They are the heart of the university – the vessel of education and quality learning that UB provides.”
Caringal also shared that the UBSG sees the annual Teachers’ Day celebration as an avenue to strengthen the bond between students and educators. “We are very much grateful for our teachers’ efforts in building a kind of student that upholds values and discipline,” she said. She added that the UBSG plans to foster more collaborative and engaging initiatives with organizations and faculty in future events, as part of the council’s ongoing leadership transition and its commitment to the university’s upcoming 80th founding anniversary.
Teachers’ Day in the Philippines carries with it a rich history that mirrors the nation’s deep respect for educators. It was initially celebrated on September 28, coinciding with the birthday of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius, regarded as a model teacher. However, in 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed October 5 as World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the 1966 signing of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. To align with this global observance, the Philippines officially moved its national celebration to October 5.
Further strengthening this recognition, Proclamation No. 242, issued in 2011, declared September 5 to October 5 as National Teachers’ Month, culminating in the celebration of National Teachers’ Day on October 5. This month-long observance provides ample opportunity for institutions across the country – like the University of Batangas – to honor educators’ contributions in shaping both academic excellence and character formation.
The celebrations at UB Lipa underscored the university’s deep appreciation for its faculty – those who stand as mentors, guides, and inspirations to generations of students. Through both administrative and student-led efforts, UBLC once again affirmed its commitment to recognizing teachers as the cornerstone of education and the enduring strength of the university community.