Four Bikolanos Vie in Top Mentors Tilt

NAGA CITY, July 13 -- Four teachers from the Bikol region are among the 40 regional finalists in this year's Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT).

They are: Conchita A. Ibarondo of San Antonio Elementary School in Iriga City for the elementary category; Judeza S. Puse of Jose Panganiban National High School (Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte); Ana E. Miraña of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur for the secondary category; and Dr. Guillermo P. Gastelo of Naga College Foundation in Naga City for the higher education category.

Out of the 156 nominations received nationwide, the regional finalists consist of eight teachers from the tertiary, 16 from the secondary, and 16 from the elementary levels.

"Out of the qualified and deserving nominees across the country, 40 regional finalists stood out for their dedication to the highest standards of professionalism, competence, integrity, and their commitment to go beyond the four walls of the classroom through projects concerning their respective communities-qualities of outstanding teacher awardees in the making," Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña said.

Twenty national finalists will be selected from the regional finalists, who thereafter will undergo the final selection process by a Final Board of Judges during the third week of July.

This year's Outstanding Teachers will be conferred with gold medallions. They will also be presented with plaques and cash amounting to P300,000 each during the formal awarding ceremonies at Metrobank Plaza in Makati, which will serve as the highlight of the 48th anniversary celebration of the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company on Sept. 3, 2010.

Now on its 26th year, the search bestows honor upon the teaching profession by according special recognition to teachers who manifest profound commitment to the development of the youth through exemplary competence, remarkable dedication to their work, and an effective educational leadership.

The search has been awarded the Grand Anvil, the highest recognition during the 45th Anvil Awards given by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

Over the years, the search has become a sought-after award among educators as it earned the prestige of becoming a benchmark of excellence in the teaching profession.

To date, the search has produced 286 outstanding teachers, among them pillars in the academe, who continue to excel in their respective fields. (PNA)