The Department of Education (DepEd) gave recognition to two outstanding teachers as part of the second batch of DepEd Heroes, a program honoring the dedication and resilience of teachers, staff and education partners.
Among those honored is a teacher with a serious illness and an Alternative Learning System (ALS) teacher who initiated business programs in Laguna.
Marivic Villacampa is a teacher of Bulihan Integrated National High School in Silang, Cavite.
Despite undergoing sessions of chemotherapy, Villacampa still goes to school to make sure her students will not be left behind in their lessons.
“Hinamon ko ang taning ng siyensya.”
“Ako po ay may breast cancer, stage 4 triple positive. Hinamon ko ang taning ng siyensya kasi may Panginoon, at sinasabi kong ako ay mabubuhay at patuloy na magpapastol sa mga batang nasa aking harapan,” she said.
Villacampa’s story earned admiration from the whole DepEd community as a symbol of courage and care in the midst of personal trial.
ALS teacher Mary Jane Reodica, on the other hand, changed the way out-of-school youth and marginalized adults access education.
Reodica established the Louisiana Alternative Livelihood and Advancement (L.A.L.A.) Project in 2021, which provides training in baking, meat processing, pandan weaving, candle making, computer literacy, and other economic skills.
One of her projects is the “Pagpapasigla ng Kulturang Luisiana 101: Paglala”. The program revives the art of making bags to preserve the local culture while providing livelihood to the students.
Reodica also spearheads the ALS Louisiana Festival, an annual celebration of student achievement through academic contests and cultural performances.
“Ang pagiging ALS teacher ay hindi lang trabaho. Ito po ay isang misyon.”
“Ang pagiging ALS teacher ay hindi lang trabaho. Ito po ay isang misyon. Ang ating mga silid-aralan ay hindi laging sa apat na sulok ng kwarto. Minsan kalsada, minsan barangay hall, minsan sa ilalim ng puno. Pero saan man iyon, isang bagay ang hindi nagbabago: ang puso na magturo at ang pag-asa na makapagbigay-inspirasyon,” she said.
DepEd Heroes is a recognition program that features stories of teachers and education partners who go above and beyond their duties. The program aims to promote a culture of excellence, care, and collective responsibility in education.
“Ito ang tunay na diwa ng DepEd Heroes. Hindi lang para kilalanin ang ating mga huwarang bayani kundi para magsiklab ng inspirasyon at hikayatin ang mas marami pang tao na maging parte ng pagtulong,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
DepEd also recognized two employees from the Central Office who will soon retire
Agnes James, Administrative Assistant II from the Office of the Secretary, is retiring after 44 years of service.
Marietta Luisa Subido, Administrative Officer II from the Employee Account Management Division, on the other hand, will conclude 9 years of faithful service to the government.
DepEd is very grateful for two of their important contributions to public education.
