World Teachers' Day

In 1993, UNESCO inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day, a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths and adults through their life-long learning process. To contribute to the growth and development of the teaching profession in the country, a Teachers’ Month Campaign was conceived in July 2008 by the Metrobank Foundation Inc, De La Salle Philippines, Philippines Business for Education and Campaign for Social Response, with the special participation of the Department of Education and the support of key business institutions and major media partners.

The initiatives and successes of the Teachers’ Month Campaign since 2008 were solidified when President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the Proclamation No. 242 on August 24, 2011 declaring the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as the “National Teachers’ Month”. The theme of this year’s celebration is “My Teacher, My Hero”. The President emphasized the need to generate public awareness and support for World Teachers’ Month in the Philippines. The occasion can be used to celebrate the unique role and service that teachers play in guiding families, strengthening communities and building the nation, he added.

This Day in History: Marcos declared Martial Law

Richest Pinoy

Forbes Magazine has just released its 2012 list of the 40 Richest People in the Philippines. SM tycoon Henry Sy retained his spot as the country’s richest person with an impressive net worth of $9.1 billion. There are also newcomers: Lucio and Susan Co of Puregold and civil engineer Michael Cosiquien of Megawide Construction. Two from 2011 missed this year’s $140 million cut off: Luis Virata of Nickel Asia and media tycoon Eugenio Lopez Jr.

            Here is the complete list of 2012 Forbes 40 Richest People in the Philippines

Peñafrancia Festival of Naga

Our Lady of Piat

The feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is celebrated every third Sunday of September in Naga City. Bicolanos and pilgrims from different parts of the country flock to Naga City to pay honor to The Virgin of Peñafrancia, the miraculous patroness of the Bicol Region. The festival is a one-week affair which starts with the transfer of the image of “Ina” from her shrine to the centuries old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral where a nine-day novena and prayers are held in her honor. On the last day, the image is returned to her shrine following the Naga River route. The colorful fluvial procession is lit by thousands of candles from devotees in boats escorting the image. When the flatboat reaches its destination, the devotees shout “Viva la Virgen” and the image is carried back in procession to the cathedral.

GenSan's Tuna Festival

The Tuna Festival in General Santos City is an annual week-long festival celebrated during the first week of September highlighting the significant role of the tuna industry in the province as its primary source of income.

The Tuna Festival started as a spontaneous event organized by the city’s tourism association back in 1998. The tourism association staged an event that showcased gastronomical tuna cuisine through culinary competitions and exhibits. From this spontaneous idea came the annual celebration of the Tuna Festival.