Gabay Sa Guro Grand Gathering

Gary Valenciano, Aga Muhlach and Robin Padilla, among others, had brightened up the day of teachers that attended PLDT Gabay Guro grand gathering by performing songs, raffling off prizes and sharing heartfelt stories that tipped hats off to one of the country’s unsung heroes.

Held at SM Arena last Oct. 28, the presentation lasted for five hours. The teachers who came in full force from different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao wore red and white shirts as a sign of solidarity. Many did not let go of their digital cameras and mobile phones throughout the proceedings as they enjoyed taking pictures of the celebrities and of themselves along with their colleagues. The teachers sang along with and danced to the music of the performers , many of whom waived their talent fees and made time to be at the event.

The event was the culmination of a series of special activities held in time with Teacher’s Month. Spearheaded by Chairman of PLDT-Smart Foundation Manny V Pangilinan and Chaye Cabal-Revilla, the PDT Gabay Guro, for several years now, aims to bring cheer to teachers and acknowledge their invaluable contribution to nation building.

In the beginning, the PLDT Gabay Guro only provided educational grants to would-be teachers and offer training for teachers. Today, it also provides teachers with livelihood and housing options, installs broadband connection and computer at schools, and improves educational facilities.

At the gathering, teacher Weng Alcala was honored for her dedication despite being forced by circumstances to live inside a classroom with her child. Another teacher, Sarah Jane Gabat, won the grand prize, a house and lot. Some of the teachers also won laptops, mobile phones and LED television sets.

To date, Gabay Guro now has about 500 scholars and have provided training to at least 12,000 teachers.