TAGUIG CITY, August 9, 2019 – Four teachers — two from basic education and two from higher education — were among the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos presented in a press conference at Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City.

Recipients of the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are: Dorothy Tarol, Ph.D., Master Teacher II, Special Education-Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED-ISEC) in Iloilo City; Cristina Cristobal, Ph.D., Special Science Teacher 5, Philippine Science High School Main Campus in Quezon City; Ricardo Jose, Ph.D. Professor 12, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City; and Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz, M.D., Professor 10, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila.

Tarol is cited for championing inclusive education, especially through her action research designed to enhance basic literacy skills of learners with hearing impairment. Meanwhile, Cristobal is honored for promoting Philippine history among her students through an approach that encourages hands-on experience with the use of primary sources. Jose is acclaimed for being the country’s foremost scholar on World War II in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific, while Cutiongco-de la Paz is cited for her prolific work on clinical genetics and shedding light on genetic disorders.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones extended her greetings to the awardees who have proven that teaching is not just a profession, but a lifetime mission and vocation.

“On behalf of the Department of Education (DepEd), I salute you for your unwavering commitment and dedication to the noble mission of raising and nurturing lifelong learners,” the Education chief shared.

Together with three soldiers and three police officers, the four outstanding teachers shall receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and a trophy during the formal conferment ceremonies on September 4.

Metrobank Foundation officially presented the 2019 Outstanding Filipinos — four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers — in a press conference held yesterday at Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City. (Photo from Metrobank Foundation)

“We believe that the call to recognize excellence resonates truer than ever as we celebrate Metrobank Foundation’s 40th year founding anniversary this year. We sustain our commitment to honor exemplary servants from the academe, military, and police sectors whose stories inspire action and whose contributions to society represent the best in our people,” Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña said during the press briefing.

The awardees underwent a rigorous selection process and were chosen from hundreds of nominations. A Board of Assessors, composed of members from the government, academe, military, and NGO sectors, identified semi-finalists through a review of documents submitted. Eighteen finalists were chosen whose accomplishments in service and community underwent the field validation process spearheaded by third-party organizations ¾ the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) and the Career Executive Service Board (CESB). This process verified the significant contributions of the finalists to their respective fields and communities of influence.

As a career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors, Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino is steered by the theme, “Beyond Excellence,” and is granted to those who render service above and beyond their call of duty. Their accomplishments must have inspired and influenced their peers, as well as the people in their respective communities, and their works must have transformed a community with a lasting positive impact on people and the country.

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