by Floriden Diaz-Vargas, Teacher III

During the “Harana sa mga Guro” celebration of the Bacon Secondary Cluster held on September 24, 2025, at the SM Sorsogon City Activity Center, Ms. Floriden Diaz-Vargas expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Schools Division Office of Sorsogon City under the leadership of Schools Division Superintendent William E. Gando. In her message, she highlighted the SDO’s unwavering commitment to teachers, especially as we are celebrating World Teachers’ Month.

Message:

HARANA SA GURO: TRIBUTE RESPONSE

After a long day, when teachers are done taking care of more than 40 brave souls inside the classroom, when teacher had poured the last ounce of her energy and courage to conclude a day on a high note and turn it into a meaningful one, when a teacher finally returns home to a family that longs for her care and affection, when all else is said and done and everything is taken cared of, WHO TAKES CARE OF US? Fellow teachers, today, the SDO Sorsogon City did… in ways that sings to every heart of a teacher, through songs and melodies that warms the heart…

Music has an odd yet magical way of conveying message often not done through words and conversations. Its charm can reach even the faintest of hearts, it forges a bond where everyone is felt and is held on. As the chemical bond, one of my topics in science suggests, this bond doesn’t need to be perfected to be felt, it has to be connected to stay in place. Today, that feeling of connection is so strong that every song and melody sang to and through our hearts. It made us feel that in SDO Sorsogon City, we are in the right place.

Teaching is often described as a noble profession but behind that nobility are countless hours of unseen labor. Teachers are always caught up with work — far beyond what happens in the classroom. Our days begin before the bell rings and often stretch long after the last student has gone home. To be seen and appreciated by the system we worked and have been working for is both a validation and an affirmation that none of our simplest and slightest efforts went unnoticed. Today’s gesture touched us dearly, each note and harmony is a tap on our shoulders gently saying: your work matters, your sacrifices are seen, you are seen, you are valued. Padagos lang. Yes, we may be caught up with work, but we are also caught up with so much hope for our learners.

This tribute is not just an honor -it is an inspiration and amplification of the hope we carry with us everyday. It strengthens us to keep going, to keep serving with patience and love and to face every challenge with renewed courage knowing that our efforts are recognized, not only as a teacher but as a member of a community that stands together for the noblest goal.

This tribute is more than just a program. This is a gift. A reminder that behind every lesson, behind every tired morning and hopeful smile, we are part of something bigger. And in doing so, we are never alone.

And so, in behalf of the strong Bacon Secondary Cluster workforce, I say thank you very much Dr. William Gando, our schools division superintendent for this beautiful recognition, saang division ba naman kayo nakakita na ang mga guro ay hinarana ng mismong SDS? Maaaring wala, only in Sorsogon City Division. So this is how it feels to be serenaded by no less than the schools division superintendent.  Palakpakan naman natin ang ating SDS. Thank you very much sir. Our gratitude and appreciation also to the SDO Band, the teacher-performers and of course the schoolhead and students who chose to add more color and life to this already beautiful program. Thank you for going out of your way to make us all feel valued and special.

With grateful hearts, happy feet and a lingering smile on our faces, I say thank you very much. Happy Teachers’ Month everyone!

Photo credit: Principal Marilyn Divina