Kape’t Guro and GBSEALD host a 'Pasa Salamat' for Teachers’ Month

To celebrate National Teachers’ Month, Kape’t Guro and the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD) hosted “Pasa Salamat” last September 28, 2024. This special kumustahan session for teachers was held at Linya-Linya’s offbeat, street art-inspired Libis headquarters that provided a perfect space for free expression. 

Teachers have teachers, too—mentors who passed on wisdom and supported them in the past. As Ms Sabrino Ongkiko, who heads Kape’t Guro, explained in her video message:

“We are a collage of everything we have ever experienced.”

In dissecting the meaning of the word “passion”, she realized that it is the self that is being passed on (I pass on). And for teachers, they must carefully reflect on what they pass on to their students in this chain of learning and care.

To better actualize their gratitude (pasasalamat), the participants were invited to write a letter of thanks to their own teachers. This allowed them to remember the people and experiences that shaped who they are today. 

A Kape’t Guro session is never complete without the shared laughter and camaraderie of teachers enjoying coffee and tea together. Experienced facilitators, Dr Maria Assunta "Achoot" Cuyegkeng, Ms Jeraldine "Je" Ching, and Ms Raquel Cabrieto, led several group sharing activities that gave participants the opportunity to express their thoughts and recognize all that they are grateful for. 

Mr Jon Michael Lejano of Kape’t Guro emphasized that if teachers continue to practice gratitude every day, it will have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing. In turn, they can grow into better versions of themselves that they can “pass on” to others.

For over 10 years, Kape't Guro has provided a community and safe space for Filipino teachers at every stage of their teaching journey, from those just discovering their passion to those who may need help in reigniting it.

All teachers are welcome to join the next Kape’t Guro Session on November 9 to be held online. For updates, follow the Kape't Guro Community on Facebook: facebook.com/Kapetgurocommunity.