Manila, Philippines – July 21, 2021 – As soon as children are able to learn and understand, they go from the care of their parents to the joint guidance with their teachers. This transition underscores the important role that teachers play in the development of children. For the work they do, Junior Chamber International (JCI) ManilaandMondelez Philippinespartnered to recognize Teachers through the Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA).

Mondelez Philippines understands this important role that Teachers play in molding your children, having implemented its flagship community program Joy Schools for the past ten years. Celebrating a decade of making an impact, the Joy Schools program aims to support the well-being of public elementary students through interventions for access to fresh food, nutrition education, and the promotion of active play. Its main program is a 9-month feeding program for 300 students every year. This has benefitted more than 5,300 students in the past decade, thanks in part to the support of Teachers in its adopted schools.

“Our Joy Schools program owes its success to the Teachers who have supported our initiatives these past ten years,” shares Atty. Joseph Fabul, Corporate and Government Affairs Manager of Mondelez Philippines.“Our feeding program, and the educational and sports equipment we provide, would not bear fruit without the efforts that Teachers exert in making the most of them. More importantly, while our feeding program provides energy to students to be more active in class, it’s the Teachers’ work to provide them quality education. This combined effort has resulted in improved attendance and educational performance among the student beneficiaries of the 19 schools that have been part of our program.”

Held last July 4, 2021, via a virtual awarding ceremony, ten Teachers from different municipalities in the Philippines were celebrated. In addition, three student leaders were also recognized. Award recipients were chosen by a board of judges based on nominations, which asked about the challenges they have faced as educators, the impact they have made on their students, and the efforts they exerted to go above and beyond the call of duty. In the end, ten outstanding public Teachers were recognized for their dedication to their profession:

1. Aprellene Marquez from Quinavite Elementary School, Bauang, La Union

2. Raymond Tolentino from Nabitasan Elementary School, La Paz, Iloilo

3. Leah Joyce Corpuz Quilang from Cauayan City National High School, Cauayan, Isabela

4. Rhea Bohol from Bayanan Elementary School, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila

5. Irish Gregorio from Padre Zamora Elementary School, Pasay City, Metro Manila

6. Ninia Estillore from Gusa National High School, CDO, Misamis Oriental

7. Dr. Ester Magaan from Laong-Laan Elementary School, Manila

8. Mary Ann Henson from Siclong Elementary School, Laur, Nueva Ecija

9. Zyra Paguio from Balanga Elementary School, Bataan

10. Dante Ballesteros from E.Rodriguez Jr. Highschool, Quezon City

The awardees received not only the respect of their peers but also prizes, certificates, and developmental training. Two teachers, Rhea Bohol and Irish Gregorio have also been conferred the “Mondelez Philippines Joy Schools Holistic Teacher Award” for their efforts to go above and beyond their teaching duties. Rhea has contributed to the advancement of her school’s academic programs while Irish was able to implement an effective, organized, and beneficial feeding program for her school. Both teachers have previously been part of the Joy Schools program.

“We thank Mondelez Philippines for being one of our partners in holding the TOGA Awards,” says Richard Antonio Tamayo, President of JCI Manila. “Our Teachers play a crucial role in developing the minds and hearts of children. If it wasn’t for the added guidance of Teachers, it’s hard to say how our lives would turn out. That’s why we honor them through the TOGA to recognize their contributions to future-building. It’s our salute to their unconditional service for the betterment of the nation.”

For more information about the TOGA, visit the JCI Manila Facebook.