An old song goes; "It only takes a spark to get a fire burning and soon all those around can warm up in it's glowing." It only takes one shining example of commitment, generosity or courage to encourage legions to follow.
The four The Many Faces of the Teacher honorees recognized during the recently concluded A Tribute to Teachers, reflects such a sentiment.
Themed "Our Teachers, Our Heroes," this year's A Tribute to Teachers was held last September 19 at the SMX Convention Center. Tribute is made possible with BBFI's coordination with Diwa Learning Systems Inc. (DLSI). Attended by over 10,000 educators, it was a day of new learnings, emotional moments and rapt faces.
The four honorees for The Many Faces of the Teacher search were chosen from a shortlist of 12 nominees. Though the 4 honorees came from different walks of life, all of them demonstrated what the vocation of teaching should be.
Virginia Amanon, a Special Education teacher from Midsayap, Cotabato dedicated her life to upholding equal educational opportunities, especially for her differently-able students.
Noaima Metmug of Bacolod, Lanao de Sur worked tirelessly to improve the learning conditions in her school. She is also the search's first Muslim awardee.
Marian Eusoya of Bacolod City, Negros, teaches not just the laboratory technology to her students, she teaches them to become global learners. Eusoya helped her students become successful professionals through improving curriculum and review techniques.
Drs. Christopher and Ma. Victoria Bernido, both theoretical physicists, are the first couple honorees. Based in Jagna, Bohol, the couple is transforming the way the sciences and math are taught in the secondary level.
Senator Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, Dr. Bernardo Villegas of the University of Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Benedict Hernandez, President of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines and Ms. Jenelyn Baylon, 2008 DepEd Most Outstanding Mobile Teacher and 2008 “The Many Faces of a Teacher” honoree gave inspiring messages to the educators and students present. Comedienne Giselle Sanchez, the Playshop Kids and crooner Erik Santos entertained the night's honorees and their fellow educators.
Indeed, if it does take only one good example to start the flow of academic excellence, integrity, commitment and generosity into our education systems, one can only imagine what 5 exemplary lives can spark. The 2009 The Many Faces of the Teacher honorees are but one example that in these turbulent times, hope still abounds.
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