NATIONAL AWARDEES. Left to Right: Samuel F Macagba III, Nico C Calunia, Mherry Ehvvony B Calunia, Aquiles C Bacallan, Kevin Gus T Torlao. Supplied photo.  

More than 700 public and private school educators were nominated nationwide in various categories during the First Instabright Awards for Educators. However, only around 300 exemplary teachers were qualified to join the awarding ceremony held at Tagaytay International Convention Center last January 11, 2020.

The event recognized the contributions of the educators who have shown passion, commitment, and dedication in the field of education. The following were the categories: Best Researcher, Best School Head, Best Writer, Most Innovative Teacher, and Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Aquiles C Bacallan was awarded as the Best Writer for his contribution to Xavier University as an author of two Araling Panlipunan Books published under Diwa Learning Systems Inc. As an Araling Panlipunan teacher, he maintains his advocacy in the formation of the young to be responsible citizens through his written works.

Kevin Gus T Torlao received the Best School Head Award for his numerous contributions to the academic system of XU Grade School (Macasandig campus). His various initiatives for the development and formation of teachers has been helpful in improving the quality of instruction. As a PAASCU accreditor, he also participates in helping other private schools to assure quality in the delivery of their services. 

Mherry Ehvvony B Calunia was also recognized as an Outstanding Teacher of the Year for her dedication and contributions to the Preschool Department of XUGS. In the crucial stage of the child’s formation, Teacher Mherry has been helpful in the development and formation of young kids through her innovative teaching strategy and individualized approach in teaching.

Nico C Calunia gained the Most Innovative Teacher Award for his Math teaching innovations in the grade school and because of his local, national, and international exposure in the field of technology. Nico has been a breakout session speaker in the Society of Technology in Education Philippines sharing his knowledge and skills in integrating technology to better teach his pupils. He has also been generous in sharing his innovative skills to empower his fellow teachers and administrators. 

Lastly, Samuel F Macagba III, XUGS principal, was given the Best Researcher and Best School Head Awards for his research and numerous administrative and academic initiatives for XU Grade School, XU Junior High School (XUJHS), and Cagayan de Oro Association of Private Elementary Schools. As the former assistant principal for formation of the XUJHS, he was able to initiate various Action Research Conferences and now continuing this tradition in the XUGS. His action researches have been presented in various local, national and international arenas. As an administrator, he has always considered the welfare and wellness of his community, leading his teachers to various Yoga classes as a certified yoga teacher.

As what Macagba said: “We are so blessed to have been given the opportunity to be recognized for our efforts and initiatives. However, we realized that while we were nominated and awarded, several members of our community who have silently and excellently been working might be more deserving for these awards. It is therefore with immense humility that we accept these awards. We hope that through these awards, we may be reminded to empower our fellow companions to express their own magis in their own way so that we may form more leaders and more outstanding teachers for the betterment of our pupils.”∎

(Left to Right: Samuel F Macagba III, Nico C Calunia, Mherry Ehvvony B Calunia, Aquiles C Bacallan, Kevin Gus T Torlao) Supplied photo.