In an inspiring celebration of dedication and excellence, Fortune Life Insurance Co., Inc. (Fortune Life)—in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Marylindbert International (MLB)—recognized outstanding educators and administrators at the 11th Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua (ALC) Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon Awards.
Held on Oct. 3 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central office in Meralco Ave., Pasig City, the event was alongside the celebration of National Teachers’ Month.
Its esteemed guests were led by Former Education Secretary Leonor “Liling” Magtolis-Briones and Pasig City District Representative and House Committee on Education Chairman Roman T. Romulo, accompanied by his wife Shalani Soledad-Romulo.
Also present were Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) Board Member Dr. Paraluman R. Giron, DepEd Assistant Regional Director for NCR Cristito A. Eco, former Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman and Rotary Club of Manila Vice President Reginald T. Yu.
The awardees and distinguished guests were welcomed by Fortune Life Executives—President and CEO D. Arnold A. Cabangon, Board Treasurer J. Antonio A. Cabangon, Executive Vice President and COO Emma M. Abad, together with ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon.
VALUES-DRIVEN EDUCATION
As part of its commitment to nurturing values-driven education, Fortune Life has been providing workbooks and teaching guides inspired by the life story of its founder, the late Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua since 2011.
The Ambassador’s life journey serves as a testament to achieving success despite adversity by embracing the values of hard work and discipline.
Over the course of 12 years, Fortune Life has reached more than 10 million students and 73,393 teachers.
Additionally, the company has provided 382,167 workbooks and 33,772 teaching guides to various schools nationwide.
GINTONG PARANGAL
The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon is an integral part of Fortune Life’s annual celebration, dedicated to honoring and rewarding educators who embody and promote these values. Divided into two categories: para sa Guro and para sa Pamumuno, this year saw five Pamumuno awardees, five Guro honorees and three awardees for Guro-Honorable Mention.
The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Guro category recognizes teachers, division supervisors, and principals who diligently promote the program’s advocacies.
The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Pamumuno category highlights the exemplary work and leadership skills of higher school officials from various school divisions and district offices.
AWARDEES
Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Guro category Awardees—Marybeth O. Arcenas (Sultan Kudarat), Michael B. Armentia (Quezon City), Anna-Liza S. Jimenez (Siquijor), Moises M. Lopez III, PhD (La Union), and Michael B. Malvar (Ilocos Norte). Honorable Mention Awardees in the Guro category include Florence P. Alicante, EdD (Parañaque City), Cherry Lyn V. Balbacal (Panabo City), and Orencio M. Chavez (Naga City).
Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Pamumuno category Awardees—Ruth L. Estacio, PhD, CESO VI (Sarangani), Dennis B. Masangcay, PhD (Tanauan City), Joel L. Pelenio, PhD (Cabadbaran City), Cynthia B. Tablang, EdD (Alaminos City), and Jordan D. Solatorio, PhD (Romblon).
HARD WORK, DISCIPLINE
Former Education Secretary Leonor “Liling” Briones praised the Cabangon family’s program through Fortune Life for promoting the vital values of hard work and discipline, especially in a time when the world is obsessed with shortcuts.
“I hope that you will continue this tradition that you will never let our learners forget that there is no better way to have a good life, a fulfilling life, than hard work, than honesty, than patience and fortitude instead of a shortcut, the easy way, the cheating and stealing,” Briones said.
Congressman Roman T. Romulo extended his commendation to this year’s awardees for rising above thousands of educators across the country to emerge as the best examples. To the Cabangon family, Cong. Romulo remarked “maraming salamat sa binibigay ninyong parangal sa ating mga guro, mga superintendent.” He encouraged the awardees to continue inspiring their fellow educators.
Fortune Life President and CEO D. Arnold A. Cabangon expressed his “sincerest congratulations to this year’s Gintong Parangal awardees, for embodying the values of hard work and discipline as they strived to improve the quality of education in our country.”
He emphasized the importance of the program to their family, as his mother is a former teacher herself.
TRIBUTE
“As we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our awardees, let us not forget even for a flitting moment the man who started this all, Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua who at a young age took on the challenges of life through hard work and discipline,” MLB Executive Vice President Alberto B. Rosal noted, paying tribute to the Fortune Life founder.
In her written message, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte acknowledged that “Fortune Life has long recognized the critical role educators play in building the next generation’s financial literacy and knowledge.”
Duterte added that “It is fitting that we celebrate and promote individuals who have dedicated themselves to fostering our educators and instilling the virtues of hard work, discipline, and financial acumen through the Value of Hard Work and Discipline Program.”
In his congratulatory message to this year’s awardees, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated: “Let the honor that you receive today reaffirm your purpose in our society and strengthen your resolve in reaching out to the next generation.”
Marcos further mentioned that “as this administration remains committed to improving our educational systems and policies, may the celebration of your work likewise spur more Filipinos to impart our most prized values and treasures to our children so that they will be empowered to build a more inclusive and more progressive Philippines for all.”
_______________________
11th AMB. ANTONIO L. CABANGON CHUA
Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon Awardees
GURO CATEGORY
Marybeth O. Arcenas is an exemplary Special Education Teacher-III with a remarkable and diverse career in the education sector. Her extensive experience includes roles as a Pre-School Teacher, Grade 1 Teacher, District ALS Coordinator, and SPED Teacher, showcasing her versatility and commitment.
Moreover, Arcenas has taken on leadership positions as both District and School SPED Coordinator, School Mental Health Coordinator, Grade Chairman in SPED LSEN Teachers, and Vice President of the SPED Teachers Association—demonstrating her dedication to enhancing the special education landscape.
Her influence extends globally. She has served as the International Coordinator of ISTAR and Regional Coordinator of Aloysian Magazines Inc.
Arcenas’ dedication and exceptional work have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2022 Most Outstanding SPED Teacher at both division and regional levels.
This year, Arcenas received the 2023 International Luminary Award as an Outstanding Educational Leader. She continues to make significant contributions and leave a lasting impact on learners with special needs.
Michael B. Armentia is an exceptional ICT Coordinator. Going above and beyond his regular duties, he facilitates teacher training sessions, thereby demonstrating his unwavering dedication to enhancing the professional development of educators.
Armentia’s innovative and proactive approach became more evident during the pandemic. He developed a groundbreaking mobile application to bridge educational gaps. This earned him the prestigious Best Educational Technology Innovation Award from DepEd Edtech.
He served as coach for the Philippine Robotics Team, which achieved a bronze score ranking in international competitions. His development of a mobile application tailored for School Disaster Risk Reduction Management showcased his problem-solving skills and dedication to community service. This initiative earned his school the honor of representing the School Division Office of Quezon City for the esteemed Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards 2023.
Anna-Liza S. Jimenez is Region VII’s Most Outstanding Secondary School Teacher for School Year 2022-2023. She was also nominated for the prestigious Global Teacher award this year.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to technical and vocational education, she holds key roles such as the Division Most Outstanding Secondary Teacher and Gulayan sa Paaralan Coordinator Champion.
Her involvement in the International Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Program underscores her dedication to innovation in education.
Jimenez’ expertise in vocational training made her President of the Division Advisers Organization for Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL), along with her roles as an assessor and manager in various competency areas.
Her significant contributions also extend to sports coaching, where she achieved regional accreditation in coaching volleyball. She led the Division Champion Volleyball Boys Secondary team.
Her dedication to student development is further seen in her work immersion partnerships and the implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan program under the New Normal.
Noted for his pioneering approach to innovative pedagogy, Moises M. Lopez, III was declared Champion at the 3rd International Online Conference and Demonstration Teaching Festival.
His co-authored book, Sanaysay at Talumpati para sa Makabagong Filipino showcased his commitment to preserve the Filipino language and culture, and his dedication to literary scholarship.
Lopez also received the Gawad Lam-ang Award as Most Outstanding Teacher in the Master Teacher Category for Region 1.
He won 1st Place in the 2022 Most Outstanding School Paper Adviser competition, highlighting his leadership as an adviser and his competence in nurturing young talent.
Lopez’ unwavering commitment to community engagement in Agoo, La Union is exemplified by his becoming an Outstanding Reading Teacher and Advocate, where he fosters a love for literacy.
Michael B. Malvar is adept at organizing math tutorials, leading the SAGIP-SARDOM in Mathematics Project, and in rigorously training and coaching Mathletes in preparation for the International Mathematical Olympiads.
His authored workbooks, including Math Made Easy for Grade 7 and Simplified Math for Grade 7, have been invaluable resources for students.
Malvar’s initiation of the Special Program for Mathematics (SPM) in his school—the first in the Division of Ilocos Norte—highlights his commitment to nurturing mathematically inclined learners.
Of late, he has had a string of prestigious international awards, such as the ETCOR International Outstanding Educator and the Instabright International Outstanding Educator of the Year.
GURO HONORABLE MENTION
Highlighting her commitment to public service, Florence P. Alicante, EdD was honored as the Model Public Servant of 2019 in the Division of Parañaque City.
With exemplary years of dedicated service, Alicante received the Twenty-five Years Service Award and the Gawad Primero Award.
She emerged as a finalist in the First National Action Research Competition in the Philippines and secured First Place at the Division Strategic Intervention Material Contest.
Alicante has also authored books, journals, modules, and a laboratory manual, as well as presenting research at an international conference. She later published the research in an international journal.
Her educational outreach extends to online platforms, where she has published 66 videos on various educational topics through YouTube-Renz Online Academy.
Cherry Lyn V. Balbacal, a dedicated 6th-grade teacher at Rizal Elementary School, stands out for her passionate commitment to Global Citizenship Education (GCED).
Her involvement in the Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Programme in 2019 led to the initiation of “Project Wellness,” a comprehensive approach to developing students across various dimensions.
Balbacal also launched “Project LIDERES,” focusing on nurturing globally competent leaders by partnering with the Debiasi Custom Design Foundation from the USA.
As Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) adviser, Balbacal led impactful programs like “Pamaskong Handog,” providing essential resources and promoting GCED, leadership, and wellness.
Her dedication to youth empowerment extended to her role as a resource speaker, leading to her election as President of all SPG advisers in Region XI.
In 2021, Balbacal coordinated the first-ever Pilot Online Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Programme, further enhancing global competencies among students.
Orencio M. Chavez spearheaded Project STRAP (School Transistor Radio Aid Program), which provided over 2,000 learners in Naga City Division with transistor radio sets for radio-based instruction during the challenging Distance Learning Modality.
Chavez’ dedication to sports is exemplified by his brainchild, Project SCORE Plan, which envisions a sustainable sports program for DepEd Naga. He has been instrumental in various sports-related endeavors, including regional tournaments, earning for Naga the title of Overall Champion in the 2023 Modified Palarong Bicol.
His mentorship of student athletes, support for the National Greening Program, and dedication to fundraising for student competitions highlight his multifaceted contributions.
Chavez has received commendations from both the DepEd and the Local Government of Naga City. His commitment to sharing knowledge through published articles further underscores his impact on educational development.
PAMUMUNO CATEGORY
Under the leader ship of Schools Division Superintendent Ruth L. Estacio, the South Cotabato Schools Division achieved remarkable advancements in education.
It established extension elementary schools, converted elementary schools into integrated institutions, and separated annex secondary schools.
The Cotabato Schools Division likewise implemented an electronic system for administrative tasks that streamlined operations, resulting in reduced costs.
Estacio’s commitment to transparency in human resource management earned commendations, leading to notable improvements in learner proficiency, school head proficiency, and teacher competency levels.
Her unwavering dedication in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated resilience in delivering quality education and ultimately realized the vision of becoming an ISO Certified educational institution in South Cotabato.
Dr. Dennis B. Masangcay exhibits commitment and dedication with high competence, promoting quality educational services and culture of excellence.
He carefully and intricately conceptualizes, designs, proposes, and implements programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for relevant and inclusive curriculum implementation that supports the attainment of quality basic education.
Masangcay actively advocates continuous improvement, venturing on solutions to diverse teaching and learning problems encountered in the division, districts, and schools.
Furthermore, he values his belief system in dealing with people—responding to their needs proactively by creating a workplace that pursues a win-win philosophy through collaboration, learning-focused leadership, and camaraderie. He builds trust and integrity through actions and critical decisions, enculturating new frames and paradigms of change through design thinking and contextualized research processes and methods.
Joel L. Pelenio, PhD has made remarkable contributions to the field of education and quality management.
His leadership as the Learning Resource Management System (LRMS) Manager and Division ISO Quality Management Representative resulted in the certification of the DepED Cabadbaran City Schools Division Office as ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Pelenio’s role as the Division ISO Quality Assurance Director—where he validated and produced Operation Manuals for various sections—demonstrated his dedication to streamlining processes that ensured efficiency.
His accomplishments extend to the field of sports. He served as Sports Supervisor and coached the DepEd Cabadbaran Chorale to impressive achievements in national choral competitions.
Pelenio’s commitment to continuous improvement earned him recognition as an Outstanding Division CI Implementer, solidifying his impact on education and quality management in his division.
Cynthia B. Tablang, EdD has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievements in the field of education.
Demonstrating her commitment to enhancing educational resources, she served as Editor of the Quarter One Araling Panlipunan SLM, a self-learning module utilized nationwide.
Her participation as a Validator during the Workshop on Validation of Professional
Development Resources for Asatidz underlines her dedication to ensuring the quality of educational materials and programs.
Tablang’s exemplary contributions extend to her involvement in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, where she achieved the following accolades: Outstanding GSP Field Adviser at the Provincial Level, Outstanding Girl Scout at the Provincial Level, and Outstanding Chief Girl Scout at the National Level. All these emphasized her commitment to nurturing leadership and character development among young girls.
Her Science achievements are testaments to her passion for promoting STEM education and innovation. She has received various awards for these efforts, namely—TOP WINNER at the Nuclear Science and Technology Education Exhibition in Vienna, Austria; 2nd PLACE in the National Robotics Competition 2021; and the Gawad Alunig X Dalumat Science Citizen Journalism at the National Level,
Prior to her current role, her tenure as a School Head from July 2019 to September 2021 earned her the prestigious Gawad Lam-Ang as the 2021 Outstanding School Head in Region 1.
The award acknowledged her exceptional leadership, visionary ideas, and superior administrative skills, all of which contributed immensely to the attainment of the Vision and Mission of the Department of Education.
The Division of Romblon, under the leadership of IPEd Focal Person Jordan D. Solatorio, has achieved significant milestones in improving education in the region.
It has taken proactive steps to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant by developing conventional spelling systems for the Romblon Languages, namely ASI, INI, and ONHAN.
Additionally, the Division has aligned resource provision with key-stage learning standards through the Romblon Balik-Kasaysayan program, making learning materials more contextualized.
It has likewise accelerated the delivery of basic education facilities and services through tripartite partnerships, ensuring that integrated public schools are established in areas with limited access to junior high school, while new secondary schools are set up in underserved areas.
Under Solatorio’s watch, the Division of Romblon prioritized learner well-being and inclusive education through community engagement, NGO and LGU partnerships, and a commitment to inclusive and right-based education.
To support teachers, the Division strengthened competence and provided professional development programs for both teachers and school leaders. Overall, these efforts have had a positive impact on education in Romblon, fostering a conducive and enriching learning environment for all.
