TWO public school teachers from the National Capital Region (NCR) were recognized by the Metrobank Foundation for their contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and for ensuring that education continues amid the Covid-19 pandemic.Lou Sabrina Ongkiko from Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City and Jason Albaro from Muntinlupa National High School are among the 10 awardees of the 2021 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos. The two are named Quezon City's Transformative Educator and Muntinlupa City's Global Science Educator, respectively.Ongkiko led the planning and implementation of the learning continuity program in her school during the implementation of distance learning modalities and ensured its stability by conducting her classes using Facebook Messenger. This initiative strengthened learning mapping and community support among education stakeholders.'Our students kept on dreaming amidst the pandemic, and because they want to continue learning, we [teachers] are here and we will endure the challenges to make sure education pushes through,' she said. For his part, Albano served as the program director for the Invention Driven Instructional Design and Innovation Transfer (I DID IT) program, which adopted invention education that balances formal instruction with progressive learning experiences for learners.'My advice to my fellows in the science community is to always seek solutions, always provide actions, and promote selflessness in serving people beyond the adversities that we are experiencing,' he said.Each awardee will be receiving a one-million-peso cash reward, a golden medallion, and 'The Flame' trophy at the formal conferment ceremonies on Sept. 2 as part of Metrobank's 59th Founding Anniversary celebration.Education Secretary Leonor Briones congratulated the two Department of Education (DepEd) teachers who have been recognized for their efforts in ensuring the delivery of quality education to the students amid the health crisis.'I congratulate Ms. Ongkiko and Mr. Albaro for being the faces of educators that we need today – innovative, adaptable, responsive to students' needs, and ready to effect positive change to the society,' she said.Completing the recipients of the 2021 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos are University of Santo Tomas professor Maria Minerva Calimag, University of the Philippines Manila professor Iris Thiele Isip-Tan, Philippine Air Force's TSgt. Jake Belino and Col. Augusto Padua, Philippine Army's Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, Bogo City Police Community Relations Officer P/SMSgt. Mary Joy Ylanan, Talisay City Police Chief P/Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, and Police Regional Office 6's P/Lt. Col. Jonathan Pablito.
