The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently awarded two public school teachers for their exemplary work in STEM education with K-12 students in Region X and the NCR.
At the Brightest Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) Award ceremony held online on Mar. 3, Janice M. Baldelovar of Don Restituto Central School in Region X was honored for her work in Mathematics education, while Mr. Don King O. Evangelista of Navotas National Science High School in the NCR was feted for his Science teaching work. They each received a cash prize of PhP 100,000, a trophy, and a plaque of recognition.
Spearheaded by the DOST-SEI, the Brightest STAR Award is part of the STAR training program. The award is given to exemplary science and mathematics teachers who have been continuously applying their STAR training in their teaching practice and teaching communities. The citation serves to uplift teachers’ morale cultivate a culture of innovation among teachers.
Department of Education officials, Division Superintendents, Principals, School Heads, and STAR trainors from the 16 participating regions also joined in to witness the said awarding ceremony, which amassed over 3,000 views on Facebook Live alone.
Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones praised all the finalists, lauding their capacity and flexibility to provide high-quality, accessible, and safe STEM education despite the uncertainties and worries brought on by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña underscored this in his message, referring to the finalists as S&T champions and pioneers under the new normal.
“The pandemic has been a big game changer for all of us, particularly in the academe and most especially in STEM education,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo. “And yet, the STAR program continues to live up to its name by being a light and guide for our educators and students, even among our marginalized communities.”
“I warmly congratulate and thank Ms. Baldelovar and Mr. Evangelista for their tireless work for and with our youth. Thank you both for lighting the way, and for being exemplars of the STAR program,” Dr. Biyo concluded.
A total of 70 nominations for the STAR Award were received from the 16 Philippine regions. Of these, only six national finalists were chosen, including Baldelovar and Evangelista. For Mathematics, these were Mark Joseph C. Pastor of Ilocos Norte College of Trades and Trades and Janeve Caballa of El Salvador Central School. For Science were Mark Joseph Cometa of Palina East National High School and Mark Anthony Leido of San Teodoro National High School. Each national finalist received a cash prize of PhP 10,000.00 and a plaque of recognition.
For more information on the Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) program and award, visit e-star.ph or the Facebook page Science Teacher Academy for the Regions.
