SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano hailed teachers as the nation’s “sowers,” emphasizing their vital role in shaping the country’s future by instilling values in the youth.

Cayetano paid tribute to teachers who serve as “second parents” in school.

“The future of the Philippines is in your hands… Whatever ang itanim n’yo ngayon, ‘yan ang Pilipinas 30, 40 years from now,” the senator said.

“Ang estudyante ang seed, ang school naman natin ang soil, at ang pagtuturo ng ating mga teacher ang pagdidilig,” he added, referring to the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping.

Cayetano traces his roots to a family of educators—his grandmother Julianna Cabrera and mother Sandra Schramm both dedicated their lives to teaching, while his father, the late Senator Rene Cayetano, also served as a law school professor.

A strong advocate for education reform, Cayetano served as co-chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education in the 19th Congress.

He has called for bold reforms and smarter budget decisions to drive meaningful progress in basic education, including urging teachers to speak up about their needs.

“Whatever we can do to support you, please tell us,” he told teachers.