06/11/2025
๐จ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐ถ๐ฌ๐
โ๐ โ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ฎ๐๐๐โ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐
The College of Education (COEd) of Central Philippine University painted a day of gratitude and joy on October 29 as it gathered at the Educational Media Center (EMC) to celebrate its teachers through the spirited โSalamat, Guroโ program; an afternoon of laughter, music, and heartfelt appreciation.
The celebration was a tribute to the unwavering dedication and compassion of COEd's faculty, whose passion continues to shape generations of learners and future educators.
โTeachersโ Day should be every day if we acknowledge the effort of our teachers,โ said Dr. Joel Durban in his opening message, setting a tone of warmth and respect for the dayโs festivities.
Students opened the program with the lively icebreaker game, โGuess the Professor,โ which drew laughter across the venue. The energy soared higher with the playful โMini Professors,โ segment where student representatives from the council and different academic organizations humorously impersonated their mentorsโ including Dr. Eden Gomez, Dr. Joel Durban, Dr. Stel Decio, Professor Bryan Paul Espinosa, Dr. Alina Pescadera, Maโam Jenel Balino, and Dr. Maredil Ambos. Laughter and cheers filled the venue as the students mimicked their mentorsโ iconic mannerisms and styles.
Each academic organization then took the stage with performance of song and dance, transforming admiration into art. Their lively numbers became a moving tribute; a reminder of how teachers inspire not only minds but also creative spirits.
The faculty joined the fun during the โBonggaetan Hep Hep Hoorayโ challenge, followed by the classic โPinoy Henyoโ game, where teachers and students paired up to guess words in a contest that tested both wit and teamwork.
The tone shifted to heartfelt reflection when the College of Education Student Council presented an original poem, honoring educators. The emotion deepened as students performed Yeng Constantinoโs Salamat, accompanied by a graceful sign language interpretationโ a symbolic expression of gratitude that went beyond words.
For Dr. Eden Gomez, the celebration held significant meaning. โFor almost 25 years of teaching at CPU, I can say this is the first timeโฆโ Gomez said, her voice filled with emotion. โWe feel that we are really blessed to be a teacher โ we feel that we are special โ and we hope that we inspire you also as future teachers.โ
Students also offered tokens of appreciation; simple gifts that carried deep meaning: as a gesture of thanks to those who have dedicated their lives to the noble calling of teaching.
The program concluded with words of gratitude from Professor Bryan Paul Espinosa, followed by joyful photo sessions that captured smiles, laughter, and memories that will long be cherished within COEdโs halls.
When the music faded and the applause quieted, one truth remained: teaching is not just a profession but a lifelong mission of compassion and purpose. And on that afternoon at the EMC, the College of Education made sure that every teacher felt the love and gratitude they so richly deserve.
Article by Shaina Angelika Sising
Photos by Alexander Jude Padernal
