by Angelo Pascual

The Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena turned into a vibrant sea of black and white as thousands of teachers gathered for Anaraar 2025, the Division-Wide Celebration of World Teachers’ Day of the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN). The event, themed like a concert-party, pulsed with energy, music, and gratitude—setting the perfect stage for the inspirational message of Schools Division Superintendent Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Opening his speech with the enthusiastic line “Hoooh, let’s rock and roll!”, Balderas matched the lively tone of the celebration with his trademark warmth and sincerity. He expressed joy over the presence of the province’s top officials—Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc, and other provincial leaders—whose attendance, he said, symbolized the government’s unwavering support for Ilocano educators.

In his message, Balderas reflected on the essence of teaching, emphasizing that inspiration is the foundation of every educator’s calling. “We always say that the first job of the teacher is to inspire, but we cannot inspire unless we ourselves are inspired,” he said. He urged teachers to seek what moves them deeply—to find their purpose and hold on to it as their daily source of strength. “When we find it, we pursue it, we cling to it, and we carry it in our hearts, our minds, and even in our souls,” he continued.

He reminded teachers that inspiration, once internalized, becomes transformative not only for themselves but for their students as well. “When we carry that inspiration, we are able to touch the lives of our learners, and when we touch their lives, we assure them of a better future and a brighter tomorrow,” he remarked, earning heartfelt applause from the crowd.

Towards the end of his speech, Atty. Balderas stirred the audience with a message of pride and identity. “Tayo po ay gurong Ilocano, tayo po ay inspirasyon ng Schools Division of Ilocos Norte. Tayo po ay gurong Ilocano, tayo po ay inspirasyon ng ating lalawigang minamahal, ang Ilocos Norte. Tayo po ay gurong Ilocano, tayo po ay inspirasyon ng Pilipinas. Tayo po ay gurong Ilocano, tayo po ay inspirasyon ng buong mundo,” he declared passionately, affirming the global influence of Ilocano educators.

He concluded with a challenge: “Panindigan po natin at lalong pangatawanan ang ating propesyon.” His words carried both celebration and conviction—a reminder that teachers’ light must continue to shine beyond the stage, illuminating every classroom and every learner’s heart.