Fortune Life Insurance Company, Inc. (Fortune Life), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Marylindbert International, recognized 13 outstanding teachers and DepEd leaders at the 11th year celebration of their Values Advocacy Program, “The Value of Hard work and Discipline.”
Held last Aug. 5 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, the event awarded the annual Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon in honor of Fortune Life founder, the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua.
This award, with Guro and Pamumuno categories, is bestowed upon deserving teachers and DepEd leaders with valuable contribution to the community. These pertain to the men and women in the teaching profession who have shown their dedication to their projects and embraced the value of hard work and discipline in forming the right values of the young generation.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
For more than a decade, Fortune Life has been conducting trainings and webinars promoting financial literacy among teachers and students.
Fortune Life President and Chief Executive Officer D. Arnold A. Cabangon expressed his appreciation for the people who helped the Values Advocacy Program reach 9.9 million students and more than 64,000 teachers nationwide.
Through the Big Book entitled “Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua: A 21st Century Hero,” President & CEO Cabangon hopes to inspire the youth with the life lessons from the childhood years of his father “na ang kahirapan ay hindi hadlang sa pag-abot ng inyong mga pangarap [that poverty is not a hindrance to realizing one’s dreams].”
AWARDEES
The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon—Guro, now on its 10th year, is awarded to outstanding educators from Teacher 1 to Master Teacher. This year’s winners are Michelle D. Rubio (Sorsogon); James Earn A. Esperida (Camarines Sur); Marlon A. Marmol (Iriga City); Reynald Alfred A. Recede (Marikina City); and Suzette M. Caluyo (Dumaguete City). Guro-Honorable Mentions are Manuel P. Catalan (Pangasinan); Teresita M. Pariña (La Union); and Kent Lexinn Ian M. Cantal (Tabaco City).
On the other hand, the Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon—Pamumuno, which is now on its 5th year, recognizes the exceptional work and leadership skills of principals, superintendents, and regional directors. The winners for this year are Eduardo C. Escorpiso, Jr., EdD, CESO V (Batanes); Gregorio A. Legal (Masbate City); Jennifer E. Quinto, PhD (Bulacan); Maria Magdalena M. Lim, CESO V (Manila); and Zandro G. Sepe, M.S. (Zamboanga City).
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Emma M. Abad congratulated all the Gintong Parangal winners and acknowledged their hardships brought about by the pandemic as she said, “Ang nagdaang pagsubok ay tunay na sumasalamin sa katapatan, kasipagan, tiyaga at disiplina ng bawat guro sa kanilang tungkulin sa ating mga mag-aaral. Kaya naman muli ay aking binabati ang lahat ng [The recent challenge we faced truly reflects the sincerity, industry, patience, and discipline of each teacher’s commitment in serving the students. Once again, I congratulate all the] Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon Awardees, Guro at Pamumuno.”
POWER TO CHANGE LIVES
Marylindbert International president and CEO Linda Legaspi added that, “Amb. Antonio Cabangon Chua’s strong sense of brilliance and greatness, discipline and determination, perseverance and hard work which he held close to his heart is clearly echoed in this year’s Gintong Parangal sa Guro awardees.”
The guest of honor, Vice President and Education Secretary Duterte, was represented by the DepEd Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III, who expressed his utmost appreciation for our dear educators as he mentioned that “Teachers inspire young people to be more and do more. Teachers have the power to change lives, views and aspirations. And as such, we should recognize their contributions to society.”
Fortune Life will continue to support DepEd with its new projects and future endeavors.
FIRST PYC
Last June, Fortune Life, in partnership with Marylindbert International, sponsored the First Philippine Youth Convergence (PYC) at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Palawan.
Former Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones graced the event participated by more than 4,000 students and teachers. VP and Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed her support to PYC via recorded message.
More than 4,000 students and teachers participated in the three-day activity. Fortune Life and Marylindbert Int’l facilitated lectures and dialogue on the participation of the youth in local governance, project conceptualization, budgeting, and implementation.
QUALITY, INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Briones emphasized the importance of the said forum as she stressed that “We developed the Philippine Youth Convergence to provide an avenue to our youth for dialogue and revitalize their participation in achieving quality and inclusive education by spearheading conversations about pressing and relevant issues.”
The PYC agenda reflects the common sentiments and outlooks, constructive feedback, and policy recommendations of students to achieve quality and inclusive education for all while imbuing the DepEd Core Values of being Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa.
Sales associates from Fortune Life led by Marlene Dela Torre, Agency Manager of Daigdigan branch, provided corporate giveaways to the participants who visited the Fortune Life booth. They were also introduced to Palaweños who joined PYC.
