PASAY CITY, November 13, 2018 – Two public school teachers recently received recognition in the 2018 Brightest STAR (Science Teacher Academy for the Regions) Award held on November 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The two Brightest STARs were Mary Grace Bumanlag of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal High School in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the Science category, and Geyl Abainza of Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School in Region V for the Mathematics category. Each awardee received a cash award of P100,000 and a plaque of recognition.
The award was spearheaded by the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI) and is given to science and mathematics teachers who have attended the STAR trainings and have successfully adopted the knowledge and skills gained from the STAR training into their teaching practice.
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones lauded the teachers for their staunch commitment to create classrooms and schools as places of innovation and positive change: “The community of mathematics and science is very much appreciated. We rely on you to change our paradigms and ways of thinking.”
DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones lauded teachers and awardees for their staunch commitment to create classrooms and schools as places of innovation and positive change during the DOST 2018 Brightest STAR awarding ceremony held on November 9 in Pasay City.
“It is not true that we are not capable of producing outstanding scientists; we just have to create the opportunity and mentor our learners at an early age, and this is what our teachers are doing,” Briones underscored.
She also shared her aspiration for the success of Filipinos in these fields, “I hope and I pray that there will be more of you who will pursue innovative venues in these fields, and that the Philippines will continue having a place, a niche in the universe of scientists and mathematicians.”
The Education chief likewise expressed her gratitude to the DOST-SEI for its continuous support in uplifting the educational system of the country.
“Thank you for capacitating our teachers as they strive to further and to continuously improve the teaching of science and mathematics. Thank you for making November such a happy month for all of us – not only for DepEd and DOST, but also for the entire community,” Briones concluded.
Other present at the event were DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, SEI Director Josette Biyo and Deputy Director Albert Mariño, and other officials and personnel.
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