QUEZON CITY, September 19, 2019 – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones underscored the importance of recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of educators during the Global Teacher Prize Ambassadors’ Forum: “Teacher Excellence – A Closer Look at the Global Teacher Prize,” on September 16 at Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Speaking before the participants from the DepEd Central, Regional, and Schools Division offices, and schools, Briones talked about their chances of winning in both international and local competitions like the Global Teacher Prize (GTP) and Metrobank Foundation.

“Naisip ko madami naman tayong teacher na kayang-kaya mag-qualify. Madami naman tayong teacher na magagaling, nag-i-innovate, na naghihirap, na nagsa-sacrifice, walang complaint kung saan man sila naka-assign at saka nagsisilbi sa mga komunidad. At hindi lang iyon, nag-iisip sila ng mga panibagong paraan upang ma-reach ang learners,” Briones said.

Organized by the International Cooperation Office (ICO), the forum aimed to promote GTP’s Ambassador Advocacies in education and to share expertise, teaching practices, approaches, and support systems in providing education to diverse learners.

The forum’s objectives were to reinforce participation to GTP and other competitions; demonstrate best teaching practices and in developing teachers’ portfolio; share innovative solutions to education challenges; and to be acquainted with GTP finalists and awardees.

The GTP underscores the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It also seeks to acknowledge the impact of the best teachers – not only on their students but also on their communities.

“We have to recognize and support excellence. We have to recognize those who do different things, those who innovate, and those who go out of the box,” Briones added.

Since GTP’s inauguration in 2015, there have been only four Filipino teachers who have made it to the final top 50.

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