BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Department of Education (DepEd) honored two extraordinary educators as part of the second batch of its DepEd Heroes, a recognition program that celebrates the unwavering dedication and resilience of public school teachers, personnel, and education partners across the country. 

The latest awardees include a public high school teacher battling terminal cancer while teaching full time, and an Alternative Learning System (ALS) teacher pioneering community-based livelihood programs in Laguna. 

Hero Stories: Teacher Marivic and Teacher Mary Jane 

Amid her battle with cancer, Ms. Marivic E. Villacampa, a teacher at Bulihan Integrated National High School in Silang, Cavite, has continued to serve her students despite undergoing chemotherapy. 

Holding two full teaching loads, she insists on being present in the classroom, ensuring that her students do not miss out on quality education. 

“Ako po ay [may] breast cancer, stage 4 triple positive. Hinamon ko ang taning ng siyensya kasi may Panginoon at sinasabi kong ako ay mabubuhay at patuloy na magpapastol sa mga batang nasa aking harapan,” Ms. Villacampa said. 

Her story has resonated deeply within the DepEd community, becoming a symbol of courage and devotion in the face of personal adversity. 

Meanwhile, in Laguna, Ms. Mary Jane N. Reodica, an ALS teacher, has transformed how out-of-school youth and marginalized adults access education. 

She launched the Luisiana Alternative Livelihood and Advancement (L.A.L.A.) Project in 2021, which offers training in baking, meat processing, pandan weaving, candle making, computer literacy, and other livelihood skills. 

One of her flagship initiatives, “Pagpapasigla ng Kulturang Luisiana 101: Paglala,” revives the traditional art of bayong weaving, preserving local culture while generating income for learners. She also spearheads the ALS Luisiana Festival, an annual celebration of learner achievements through academic contests and cultural presentations. 

“Ang pagiging ALS teacher ay hindi lang trabaho. Ito po ay isang misyon. Ang ating mga silid-aralan ay hindi laging sa apat na sulok ng kwarto. Minsan kalsada, minsan barangay hall, minsan sa ilalim ng puno. Pero saan man iyon, isang bagay ang hindi nagbabago: ang puso na magturo at ang pag-asa na makapagbigay-inspirasyon,” Ms. Reodica said. 

DepEd Heroes is a flagship recognition program that highlights the inspiring stories of educators and partners who go beyond their call of duty. The program aims to inspire a culture of excellence, compassion, and shared responsibility for education. 

“Ito ang tunay na diwa ng DepEd Heroes. Hindi lang para kilalanin ang ating mga huwarang bayani kundi para magsiklab ng inspirasyon at hikayatin ang mas marami pang tao na maging parte ng pagtulong,” Secretary Sonny Angara said. 

DepEd also recognized two Central Office employees set to retire this month. Ms. Agnes James, Administrative Assistant II from the Office of the Secretary, is retiring after an exceptional 44 years in service. Meanwhile, Ms. Marietta Luisa Subido, Administrative Officer II from the Employee Account Management Division, concludes 9 years of committed government service. 

DepEd extends its heartfelt thanks to both retirees for their invaluable contributions to public education. 

*All photos from DepEd