THE DEPARTMENT of Education has recognized the dedication and resilience of public school teachers, personnel, and education partners across the country.

Among the latest awardees is a public high school teacher battling terminal cancer while continuing to teach full time, as well as an Alternative Learning System (ALS) teacher pioneering community-based livelihood programs in Laguna.

Ms. Marivic Villacampa, a teacher at Bulihan Integrated National High School in Silang, Cavite, has continued to serve her students despite undergoing chemotherapy.

“Ako po ay [may] breast cancer, stage 4 triple positive. Hinamon ko ang taning ng siyensya kasi may Panginoon at sinasabi kong ako ay mabubuhay at patuloy na magpapastol sa mga batang nasa aking harapan,” Villacampa said.

Meanwhile, in Laguna, Ms. Mary Jane Reodica, an ALS teacher, has transformed how out-of-school youth and marginalized adults access education.

She launched the Luisiana Alternative Livelihood and Advancement Project in 2021, which offers training in baking, meat processing, pandan weaving, candle making, computer literacy, and other livelihood skills.

“Ang pagiging ALS teacher ay hindi lang trabaho. Ito po ay isang misyon. Ang ating mga silid-aralan ay hindi laging sa apat na sulok ng kwarto. Minsan kalsada, minsan barangay hall, minsan sa ilalim ng puno. Pero saan man iyon, isang bagay ang hindi nagbabago: ang puso na magturo at ang pag-asa na makapagbigay-inspirasyon,” Reodica said.

They were recognized through DepEd Heroes, a flagship recognition program that highlights the inspiring stories of educators and partners who go beyond their call of duty.

The program aims to inspire a culture of excellence, compassion, and shared responsibility for education.