Latest Posts

Screenshot

Trump Declares Holy Week Message on ‘The Living Son’ and Hosts White House Easter Service

Screenshot

EASTER BUNNY BASH AT THE MANILA PENINSULA

Screenshot

Happie Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with New Experiential Centre, a Major Giveaway, and Iconic Brand Ambassador Zoe Tay

Two Zamboanga Teachers Recognized as 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos

Screenshot

SHARE

Two public school teachers from Zamboanga were honored among the ten recipients of the prestigious 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award for their remarkable contributions to basic education.

Ms. Ma. Ella F. Fabella, a Master Teacher II at Maasin Learning Center in Zamboanga City, and Mr. Franco Rino C. Apoyon, Head Teacher II at Kabasalan National High School in Zamboanga Sibugay, were recognized for their dedication to inclusive education, innovative teaching programs, and positive impact on their communities.

Photo from DepEd

Ms. Fabella, an Indigenous People’s Education (IPEd) Program teacher, has been a passionate advocate for Sama-Bajau children, encouraging them to take pride in their heritage. She initiated “Project B.E.A.R. (Bajau Educational Activities and Recreation)” and launched the “Pantawid Tutorial Reading Program,” where parent leaders of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) serve as tutors for Sama-Bajau learners.

“My greatest motivation is to help marginalized people access education and create opportunities for a better life. This change won’t happen overnight, but I am committed to working with the Sama-Bajau children and their community,” Ms. Fabella shared.

Mr. Apoyon, an environmental education advocate for over 11 years, has promoted “Greenducation” in Zamboanga Peninsula and remote barangays through the Youth for Environment in Schools Program. He also created an award-winning environmental storybook, “Ang Paglalakbay ni Papa Gong: Tahanan sa Bakawan,” and developed “Plantable Paper,” a product supporting sustainable practices. Additionally, he initiated the “Reach to Teach” program to promote environmental awareness in remote areas.

Photo from DepEd

“I firmly believe that involving our youth in addressing today’s environmental challenges is key to creating a green, healthy, and sustainable future,” Mr. Apoyon emphasized.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara commended the awardees, including educators, police officers, and soldiers, for their exceptional service to the public.

“Thank you for putting the needs of our learners first, empowering them to claim their space, and helping them achieve their dreams through education,” Secretary Angara said during the conferment ceremony on Wednesday.

“This award not only acknowledges your dedication but also honors the selfless service of our teachers, soldiers, and police officers in their mission to raise a generation of nation-builders and catalysts for change,” he added.

Each awardee received a one-million peso cash prize, a gold medallion, and “The Flame” trophy at the ceremony, held as part of Metrobank’s 62nd Founding Anniversary celebration.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from DepEd

RELATED ARTICLES

Screenshot

Trump Declares Holy Week Message on ‘The Living Son’ and Hosts White House Easter Service

This Holy Week, the White House became a place of worship, reflection, and reverence as President Donald Trump delivered a bold and deeply personal message...
Screenshot

EASTER BUNNY BASH AT THE MANILA PENINSULA

Hop into fun-filled family activities with the ultimate room package that includes complimentary tickets to the Egglandia Playground and Egg Hunt with Merienda Buffet. Other...
Screenshot

Happie Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with New Experiential Centre, a Major Giveaway, and Iconic Brand Ambassador Zoe Tay

Homegrown water purifier brand Happie marks a major milestone as it turns three this year, unveiling its brand-new Experiential Centre at 1 Sims Lane and...
Screenshot

Why Do Christians Fast Before Easter—and Should You?

Fasting before Easter, during the season of Lent, is a long-standing Christian tradition observed across many denominations. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40...
Screenshot

What is the Significance of Jesus’ Crucifixion?

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing God’s ultimate act of love and redemption for humanity. As recorded in...
Screenshot

What’s So “Good” About Good Friday?

At first glance, the name Good Friday can seem puzzling. How can the brutal crucifixion of Jesus Christ—marked by betrayal, mockery, torture, and death—be described...
Screenshot

Trump Declares Holy Week Message on ‘The Living Son’ and Hosts White House Easter Service

This Holy Week, the White House became a place of worship, reflection, and reverence as President Donald Trump delivered a bold and deeply personal message...
Screenshot

EASTER BUNNY BASH AT THE MANILA PENINSULA

Hop into fun-filled family activities with the ultimate room package that includes complimentary tickets to the Egglandia Playground and Egg Hunt with Merienda Buffet. Other...
Screenshot

Happie Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with New Experiential Centre, a Major Giveaway, and Iconic Brand Ambassador Zoe Tay

Homegrown water purifier brand Happie marks a major milestone as it turns three this year, unveiling its brand-new Experiential Centre at 1 Sims Lane and...

Don't Miss

Screenshot

Trump Declares Holy Week Message on ‘The Living Son’ and Hosts White House Easter Service

Screenshot

Why Do Christians Fast Before Easter—and Should You?

Screenshot

What is the Significance of Jesus’ Crucifixion?

Screenshot

What’s So “Good” About Good Friday?