FOR the first time and on the 17th anniversary of Gabay Guro, the annual tribute to teachers all over the country, a back to back presentation was staged to entertain, please and delight the teachers and give them an added fare to boost their teaching role.

Last September 29, top celebrities performed at the new, state of the art Meralco Theater in a three-hour entertainment tribute to the teachers.

On the first Sunday of October, Gabay Guro added an eighth pillar and launched the first Health and Wellness featival for teachers at the Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig City.

With the theme, “Teachers Inspiring Change: Building the Country’s Future,” Gabay Guro grand gathering not only entertained but also included new elements focused on teacher’s well-being.

Attendees experienced interactive programs designed to enable them to thrive both in an out of the classroom. The event featured wearable wellness technology and gathered Lifestyle medicine doctors, fitness coaches, celebrity athletes in one big wellness festival for teachers.

Teachers were treated to a day of entertainment from celebrity guests. Singer Kevin Montellano carried out a song number. Teacher Georcelle and the G-Force displayed dance grooves that had the crowd dancing, too.

Gabay Guro volunteer athlete Alas, PLDT High-Speed Hitters and the Meralco Bolts went onstage, too and showed their moves.

“Our teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation,” said Chaye Cabal Revilla, chairperson of Gabay Guro and chief finance, risk and sustainability officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

“Gabay Guro’s Wellness Festival is a vital first in ensuring our teachers’ health and well being is taken cared of. mWell makes sure that our teachers get access to a holistic wellness program — from doctor’s consultations, food and nutrition to preventive health solutions.”

Central to the event were also interactive discussions on mental health, stress management, nutrition and self care — critical areas teachers often neglect due to high pressures of their profession.

Attendees checked on booths focusing on fitness, food, nutrition, wearables, mind health and tele medicine.

The afternoon wellness activities were attended by renowned wellness experts and other celebrities. There was a special zumba session with top YouTube zumba group TML Crew Beauty queen Nicole Cordoves and Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) alumnus Michael Ver hosted the program

Teachers play a vital role in instilling values, inspiring dreams and laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Taking care of our teachers is taking care of our children, too.

The Wellness festival is a new initiative that underscores the importance of teachers’ holistic well being, recognizing how vital physical and mental health are in enhancing educational success and empowering educators to thrive in their roles.

Gabay Guro’s Health and Wellness festival was held in cooperation with mWell, the country’s health and wellness mega app.

The festival provided teachers access to free health consultations, fitness sessions and wellness workshops. At the core of the wellness festival is holistic and preventive wellness.

Beyond doctor consulations, the event aims to empower teachers with health and wellness services from mWell readily available anytime, anywhere with just a few taps on your phone.

Over the past 17 years, Gabay Guro has not only provided over 3,000 scholarships but also built classrooms in undeserved areas, enabling educators to teach in better-equipped environments.

Through its digital tools and innovations like the Gabay Guro super app, teachers have access to resources that support continuous learning and career development.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio