SENATOR Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan paid heartfelt tribute to teachers across the country in celebration of World Teachers’ Day, calling them the nation’s surrogate parents and the true molders of the nation’s hope and future.

“If the youth are the hope and future of our nation, then teachers are the ones who forge that hope and future,” Pangilinan said in his Teachers’ Day message.

The senator shared that teaching runs in his blood, recalling how his mother, Emma Pangilinan, was a teacher at UP Preparatory School in the 1960s. As a mother of nine, she even established a pre-school at home.

“I also taught for seven years at the Ateneo de Manila University, handling Legal Management courses,” he said. “Now, at our Sweet Spring Country Farm, I continue to share what I’ve learned about organic farming with schoolchildren and aspiring vegetable farmers.”

Pangilinan likened teachers’ patience and discipline to superpowers, saying they possess the rare ability to maintain order in classrooms, make lessons understandable, and resolve conflicts and bullying among students.

He expressed deep admiration for public school teachers, describing them as “lodi”—a Filipino slang term for idol—for their sacrifices and dedication.

“Our public school teachers don’t just teach reading, writing, and arithmetic,” he said. “Many of them even spend their own money to feed hungry students and continue to help their communities during disasters, even when they themselves are affected.”

Pangilinan also lauded teachers for going beyond their academic duties, often serving as guidance counselors who listen to their students’ personal, financial, and even romantic problems.

Amid persistent corruption and budget challenges, Pangilinan vowed to prioritize teachers, alongside farmers and fisherfolk, in his legislative work.