SERVICE beyond self, beyond sight, beyond sacrifice…
These traits describe, in essence, the exemplary educators feted last October 23 in this year’s edition of the Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon.
From across the archipelago, the selected education professionals embodied the positive traits upheld by leading preneed firm Fortune Life Insurance Company through its Values Advocacy Program, now in its 15th year of partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Marylindbert International.
Fortune Life honored outstanding education leaders and support professionals for their dedication to public service beyond the classroom. Each award, it said, reflects their integrity, compassion, and commitment to excellence in shaping the future of Philippine education.
The celebration honors the legacy of Fortune Life and ALC Group founder Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, whose exemplary leadership, coupled with strong values of hard work and discipline, continues to inspire the advocacy, guided by the belief that true excellence lies in service, integrity, and positively touching lives. It also salutes the honorees whose contributions leave a lasting impact on the schools and communities they serve.
Homage to ‘Amba’
IN his message for the ‘Parangal,’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the late ambassador, his rise from humble beginnings, and his legacy of diligence and discipline-qualities the Chief Executive believes the next generation of educators should embrace.
‘This celebration upholds a tradition that measures achievement by its contribution to others, and regards public acclaim as a call to greater service,’ Marcos Jr. said.
The President expressed his hopes that the set of recognitions inspire both pride and reflection for the awardees: ‘Your accomplishments carry a wider significance. They demonstrate how dedication transforms lives, strengthens institutions, and encourages younger mentors to pursue excellence. Through your example, we affirm that a nation’s progress rests upon those who teach with purpose and lead with integrity.’
Under ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ he underscored that his administration remains committed to an education system that equips citizens to exercise freedom with sound judgment and embrace opportunity with responsibility: ‘May this occasion deepen your sense of stewardship and renew your resolve to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and character our people need to build a better future.’
Excellence worth celebrating
FOR Education Secretary Sonny Angara-the event’s guest of honor-the ‘Gintong Parangal…’ is a fitting tribute to a form of heroism that often goes unnoticed. He described it as ‘not a single burst of energy or an extraordinary act,’ but the continued performance of duty day in and day out, whatever the challenges.
Congratulating the 18 awardees-five outstanding leaders, eight teachers and five non-teaching personnel-the secretary recognized their sustained commitment to public service, including the sacrifices that often go unacknowledged. Emphasizing that public service must go beyond compliance, numbers, and recognition, he said government officials must ask how their policies and actions can improve the lives of the people they serve, particularly students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.
Angara also underscored that Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua’s legacy rests on values that must be demonstrated through action-not merely displayed in programs or engraved on plaques: ‘They are values we must all live by, especially when the work is difficult, recognition is absent, and no one is watching.’
Finally, the DepEd chief reminded the awardees and their partners that meaningful service is not always visible. He also encouraged them to carry the spirit of the gathering beyond the ceremony by excelling in their work, speaking generously, and spending their time thoughtfully, while sustaining partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for learners and teachers.
‘A sacred calling’
FORTUNE LIFE President and CEO D. Arnold A. Cabangon lauded this year’s batch of educator awardees as they continued the ‘inspiring tradition.’
‘Each of you carries a powerful story of how meaningful change begins with individuals who are willing to go far beyond the call of duty and serve from the heart,’ Cabangon said. ‘You showed us that educating the youth is not merely a profession, but a sacred calling.’
The Fortune Life executive praised the laureates for their ‘selflessness, leadership, and passion’ that ‘shine as beacons of hope for our nation.’
‘On behalf of the Cabangon and Fortune Life family, and our partners, I offer you our deepest gratitude and our best wishes. May you continue to guide and inspire generations to come. Mabuhay kayong lahat!’ he concluded.
In recognition of their strong commitment to shaping the future of Filipino learners, each awardee received a plaque and cash prize as tokens of appreciation from the companies.
‘Pamumuno’ category awardees
ROMEL L. LIBANG, PhD, JD, CESE: As Assistant Schools Division superintendent, his leadership journey is a powerful testament to how vision, discipline, and compassion can transform education. With distinguished scholarships and executive training shaping his expertise, he translated that knowledge into impactful systems such as Project LEAD, SBM MiLES, e-DRIVE, and Project SIGLAYA, boosting governance, accountability, and learner-centered support. His initiatives not only built programs but also empowered people and institutions to serve better, leaving a legacy of sustainable excellence.
NELIA M. MABUTI, CESO VI: Also an Asst. Schools Division superintendent, she stands as a shining example of values-driven leadership, transforming discipline, integrity, and accountability into lasting systems that uplift people and institutions. Guided by her ‘NELIA Leadership Framework,’ she championed initiatives that strengthened merit-based human resource management, transparent governance, employee recognition, and lifelong learning, ensuring that excellence is not only achieved but sustained. Her leadership has empowered colleagues, protected integrity, and inspired innovation, leaving a legacy of competence and service.
GLADY E. PAGUNSAN, EdD: As a Public Schools Division supervisor, he has dedicated his career to public service, guided by humility, compassion, and excellence, always placing Filipino learners and teachers at the heart of his leadership. Through data-driven supervision, inclusive curriculum planning, and teacher mentoring, he transformed classrooms and empowered educators to innovate and respond to diverse learner needs. As a coach, writer, and researcher, he elevated academic performance and inspired success in journalism, contests, and research, proving that leadership is measured by lives touched and communities strengthened. This unwavering commitment, honored by the Dangal ng Bayan Award and now celebrated through the Gintong Parangal, affirms his legacy as a servant-leader who builds hope and integrity for education.
HERMOGENES M. PANGANIBAN, CESO V: His leadership as Schools Division superintendent is one of vision, discipline, and heart, transforming both Lucena City and Batangas City into models of excellence in governance and education. His stewardship brought CSC PRIME HRM recognitions, ISO-certified systems, and national honors like the Dangal ng Bayan Award, while also mentoring award-winning public servants and composing the official hymn of Batangas City’s School Division Office. Beyond governance, he expanded access to learning by establishing new schools and inspiring students to achieve global victories in robotics, journalism, and academics.
ROBERTO D. SANTOS, JR., EdD: This Public Schools Division supervisor has devoted his career to leading with heart, bringing education closer to underserved communities and turning challenges into opportunities for learners and teachers alike. Guided by his philosophy of ‘LUGUDership,’ he championed establishing schools in far-flung areas, creating lasting symbols of hope and access to quality learning. His passion for empowering educators through mentoring, research, and innovation has nurtured reflective and responsive leaders who uplift teaching and learning.
‘Guro’ category awardees
CANDY CLAIRE E. CASIL: Her life is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to education. From her humble beginnings as a volunteer teacher earning only P2,000 a month, she rose to become a Teacher VI, mentoring and inspiring educators at every level. Her innovations in contextualized learning resources, her tireless journeys to reach Higaonon learners in remote mountain communities, and her dedication to professional growth reflect a life anchored in resilience and service. She supported her six siblings’ education, demonstrating her selfless love for family and commitment to their future.
SAMMY BOY B. GUZMAN, PhD: He successfully demonstrated how passion and service can transform both classrooms and communities. Through Project Ambition DISPENSE, he created validated instructional materials for learners with disabilities, including a registered storybook and a care skills workbook, while fostering a strong research culture through Project CREATE, which trained over 200 teachers and produced 11 research studies. His community initiatives, such as Mission One ChAT and SAMA KA, mobilized parents and stakeholders to provide vital resources and opportunities for learners, reflecting his deep compassion and commitment.
ERVIN JAMES Y. PABULAR, RN, Dev. EdD: As a master teacher and innovator, he reflects how passion and service can multiply impact across schools and communities. Through his flagship BRIDGE-SHS program, he created resources that reached thousands of teachers and learners nationwide, easing workloads while improving instruction. His initiatives, Project SAFETY, DEPLOYED, OUTREACH, TABANG, and TAKBO, empowered youth with lifesaving skills, leadership, sports, and community service, and raised funds to support learners in need. By mentoring award-winning teachers, researchers, and student leaders, he has shown that true educational leadership is measured not by personal accolades, but by lives transformed.
JONARD M. VILLANUEVA: His journey as a master teacher and mentor deeply resonates with the values of integrity and service celebrated by the Gintong Parangal. Beyond academic excellence, he has uplifted both teachers and learners through coaching, community engagement, and innovative programs that nurture character and responsibility. His signature initiative, Project CATCH, transformed punctuality, honesty, and accountability into a shared culture of everyday excellence, proving that true leadership is about shaping values as much as outcomes.
REMAR P. SINO: As a heartfelt tribute to his mother’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a teacher, he turned his vocation into a mission of service and leadership. With consistent Outstanding IPCRF ratings and recognition as an Outstanding Secondary Teacher, he has created impactful programs like the Work Immersion Workbook and the ‘Kumusta Ka’ Program, helping at-risk learners thrive and stay in school. His volunteer teaching, mentoring, and professional development efforts have uplifted hundreds of learners and nearly 400 teachers, while his classroom innovations dramatically improved retention and reduced disruptions.
‘GURO’ (honorable mentions)
MELANIE C. CAÑO, EdD: Her journey reflects a life dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service as a master teacher and researcher. She has distinguished herself as a facilitator, trainer, and keynote speaker, publishing six international research papers and mentoring teachers in curriculum and leadership. Her recognitions, including Gawad Patnugot with Distinction, Gawad Calambayani Most Outstanding Teacher-Researcher, and national qualification in the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, affirm her commitment to advancing education and empowering others.
BIANCA CAMILLE S.
DUCUSIN: Dedication, innovation, and a genuine desire to make a difference define her journey as an educator and science coordinator. Through Project SIKAP, she championed science initiatives that uplifted learner performance, while also excelling as a trainer in journalism, science, and even chess, proving her versatility in nurturing both academic and co-curricular excellence. As a regional test writer, content developer, and teacher broadcaster, she helped ensure quality learning resources and accessible instruction during modular distance learning.
CHRISTY E. PABLICO: Her story is a powerful example of how compassion and innovation can transform the lives of Indigenous learners. Through programs like ASPIRE and IGNITE, she mobilized resources to provide food, medicines, and school supplies, ensuring retention and supporting learners through college graduation. Her Project PAIGE literacy initiative and sustainable feeding programs like IFEED and MUGnify, uplifted reading skills, improved nutrition, and promoted learner success.
‘Paglilingkod’ category awardees
ROBERT ALAIN H. BOMUEL: An administrative officer, he has shown how innovation and discipline can transform administrative service into a true force for efficiency and excellence. He revolutionized systems in Calamba City through projects like EXCEL, which cleared all financial liquidation backlogs; DR: FILES, which centralized digital records management; and ARMS, which streamlined document tracking to near-instant processing. His leadership empowered more than 80 school records custodians, earned the Records Section recognition as the ‘Most Efficient,’ and fostered values formation through Project RESTORED.
BOBBY Y. CORPUZ: As project development officer II, he has made a lasting mark in Cabadbaran City by driving digital transformation that truly empowered schools and communities. Through innovations like the Division Portal, the Online Application Management System, and Project STAR, he streamlined workflows, strengthened transparency, and improved communication between schools and families. His systems reduced repetitive tasks, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and expanded access to reliable information for more than a thousand users.
ALVIN P. METRILLO: Through his leadership in human resource development, this senior education program specialist has uplifted thousands of DepEd personnel via innovative, responsive, and results-oriented initiatives. By spearheading Project GALING and the Professional Development Hub, he expanded access to training and recognition programs while generating significant savings, benefiting over 13,000 employees across 109 schools. His efforts strengthened quality management, onboarding, and technical assistance systems, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and efficiency in service delivery.
NOLI MAR M. NAVARRO, EdD: As senior education program specialist, he has successfully demonstrated how dedication and innovation can transform education and public service. By pioneering systems through his different projects, he strengthened accountability, digital governance, and school development across Nueva Vizcaya. His leadership streamlined processes and elevated monitoring practices while inspiring continuous improvement and transparency in service delivery. These remarkable contributions, crowned by his recognition as Regional Most Outstanding Employee, align with the spirit of the Gintong Parangal.
RONALYN P. SALAZAR, RN, LPT, MAN, PhDc: This senior education program specialist embodies the heart of service and innovation, transforming human resource development into a lifeline for educators and personnel across Cavite. From the groundbreaking Cloverleaf wellness program that eased mental health struggles to the ERPCR system that ensures transparency and accountability, and the Dugong Lila Para kay Juana initiative that saved countless lives, her work reflects compassion anchored in evidence-based leadership. She has empowered teachers, nurses, guidance counselors, and non-teaching staff through CPD accreditation, civil service exam reviews, and research that bridges health and education.