Senator Legarda on the welfare of Teachers
Senator Loren Legarda in a phone-patched interview over DYRD AM radio program “Sangonan” heard only every Saturdays, expressed recognition to the teachers for their invaluable role in building a strong nation. The lady Senator cited the three bills she filed in the Senate to further improve the status of teachers economically and professionally. These bills are:
Loren declared that it is high time that the plight of public school teachers should be looked into and help provide a better and improved work environment as well as living conditions for the teachers and their families.
Senator Legarda added that as the founder of Luntiang Pilipinas, an environmental foundation founded in 1998, she entered into a partnership with the education department through Education Secretary Jesli Lapuz and other education officials to jointly undertake programs for reforestation and the enhancement of the environment.
During the interview, she announced the Nationwide Search for the Best School Forest Park. The lady Senator said that through the competition, young people will gain better appreciation of trees and the environment in general. Regional winners of the said competition shall be awarded a fully functional computer laboratory and the grand prize winner will be awarded, apart from the computer laboratory, a cash prize to be used for the construction of a school building. The nationwide search commenced in the month of June 2008, on the opening of the academic year and will conclude two years thereafter. Senator Loren said it is to give public high schools sufficient time to establish and maintain these forest parks. Loren added that DepEd already issued a memorandum circular informing all public high schools of the mechanics of the competition. Loren seeks a whole-hearted support and commitment from teachers to encourage students to participate in this very noble endeavor.
