Marcos, Angara honor exemplary teachers during Metrobank awards event

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised on Tuesday two teachers who were among the recipients of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awards, during a conferment ceremony at Malacañan Palace.

The recognition coincided with the national observance of National Teachers’ Month, as a statement issued by the Department of Education pointed out.

The two awardees are basic education teachers — Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde of Oriental Mindoro and Engineer Sheila Marie M. Amigo of Zamboanga Sibugay, who were recognized for “pioneering achievements in localized, culture-based learning and interactive science education.”

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READ: Marcos honors 10 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos

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Speaking at the ceremony, Marcos reaffirmed that education remained a top priority of his administration and commended the awardees for their transformative contributions to education and public service.

“While much work remains to be done, PISA 2025 showed encouraging progress, with Filipino learners improving in reading, mathematics, and science compared to 2022. These achievements remind us that elevating education requires sustained effort from teachers and innovators — to strengthen literacy, demystify complex concepts, and bring new technologies and opportunities closer to our learners,” Marcos said.

“Our education awardees embody this commitment in various ways—from developing culturally responsive learning tools and novel approaches to physics education, to advancing emerging technologies and innovative research,” the president added.

For his part, Angara said: “Dr. Guarde and Engineer Amigo show us that true educational innovation happens on the ground, driven by teachers who identify a problem in their community and create a solution through pure resourcefulness. When a teacher integrates indigenous heritage or transforms complex science into something accessible and joyful, they aren’t just teaching a lesson; they are changing life trajectories.”

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Angara stressed that honoring educators requires an ongoing commitment to improving their daily working conditions.

“As we celebrate National Teachers’ Month, these awards remind us that behind every stride in basic education is a dedicated teacher quietly doing extraordinary work. Under the leadership of President Marcos, the Department of Education is committed not only to recognizing excellence but also to providing our educators with the support and protection they deserve,” he said.

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Guarde, a Master Teacher III at Cornelio Lintawagin Memorial Elementary School in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, and a member of the Alangan Mangyan indigenous community, was honored for 17 years of dedicated service.

He developed localized early-grade learning resources, established the Mangyan Alangan Community-Based Competencies framework, and spearheaded adult literacy programs along with essential infrastructure projects in remote areas.

Amigo, a Master Teacher I and licensed electrical engineer at Siay National High School in Zamboanga Sibugay, was recognized for her groundbreaking work in STEM education.

She created Dynamic Utilization of Learning by Amusement, or DULA, an interactive framework using low-cost learning tools that significantly boosted students’ physics performance. Her DULA Eco Havens initiative has expanded hands-on learning spaces directly into local barangays.

READ: Marcos, Angara praise schools, partners behind PH’s PISA gains

Speaking on behalf of all 10 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees this year, Amigo expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying: “To Your Excellency, President Marcos, thank you for affirming the invaluable contributions of Filipinos who serve in classrooms, communities, and on the frontlines of nation-building. Mr. President, we accept this medallion not as the culmination of our work, but as a renewed call to serve. May we continue to uphold excellence, integrity, and malasakit, and inspire others to do the same in building a stronger and more hopeful Philippines.”

Eight other public servants were honored at Malacañan Palace, including two higher education professors, three military officers, and three police officers.

Each recipient received a P1 million cash prize, the Metrobank Foundation “Flame” trophy, and the Medallion of Excellence.

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The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program was established in 1985 by the late Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty. It stands as one of the country’s most prestigious career-service awards, having recognized more than 700 public servants to date. /atm