DepEd recognizes ‘unsung champions’ of education sector
The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a new national recognition program aimed at honoring the “unsung champions” of the education sector.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced on Friday the launching of the “DepEd Heroes,” a program which he said will celebrate teachers, parents and community partners “whose courage and service have transformed lives in and beyond the classroom and whose extraordinary dedication often escapes the spotlight of traditional award-giving bodies.”
“It is high time for us to recognize the heroism of our teachers, parent-volunteers, school heads and education partners not just for a day, but for a whole year,” Angara said. “This is mainly because their jobs never stop, and their recognition should never stop as well.”
First batch
For the first batch of “DepEd Heroes,” Angara announced the conferment of the title on high school Master Teacher II Ma. Lourdes Rola of Caloocan City and Dea Gavas Solayao, a parent-volunteer from Maybancal Elementary School in Morong, Rizal.
Rola, or “Teacher Lou,” has been a teacher for 15 years in both secondary and tertiary teaching. She came up with the advocacy “Project Let It Grow,” which was aimed at instilling resilience and “growth mindset” among students and even among teachers and parents.
Rola was also the teacher behind the Project Alab (Alay-Lingap Alang-Alang sa Bata). The project is an adopt-a-child program which provides school supplies, transportation support, snacks and mentorship for disadvantaged learners.
Solayao, on the other hand, began her work as a volunteer in 2020, serving as a Gabay Aral tutor.
“Over time, she found her calling as a storyteller, joining the school’s Barangayan para sa Bawat Bata Bumabasa (BRB4) reading program,” the DepEd said.
She would even spend hours reading to children after class and in community gatherings, and at one point, doing her work even under a mango tree.
Angara said they hope to find more unsung education champions soon.
“The search extends beyond the corridors of top-performing schools into the unseen corners of communities,” he said.
