By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate has approved on third and final reading the National Education Support Personnel Day Act, which designates May 16th as a special working holiday.
The measure, proposed by Senator Win Gatchalian, mandates that the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) lead the preparation and implementation of the annual activities for National Education Support Personnel Day.
Gatchalian noted that the proposed law aligns with the global celebration of “World Education Support Personnel Day,” observed annually since 2018. Countries including Australia, Canada, Malta, South Africa, and the United States participate in this occasion.
“Nais nating ipadama sa ating mga education support personnel na mahalaga ang kanilang papel sa paghahatid ng dekalidad na edukasyon at sa pagtataguyod sa kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral. Ang pagdiriwang ng National Education Support Personnel Day ay magbibigay ng pagkilala para sa kanilang dedikasyon,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
Additionally, Gatchalian highlighted the relevance of the bill in light of DepEd Order No. 2, series of 2024, which removes non-teaching tasks from teachers, underscoring the vital role of support staff in ensuring the smooth operation of schools.
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