A public school teacher from Region X has been cited by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) for her exemplary work in STEM education with K-12 students.
Honored as one of two Brightest Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) in an online ceremony on March 3, 2021 was Ms. Janice M. Baldelovar of Don Restituto Baol Central School (DRBCS, (formerly South City Central School) in Gingoog City, Region X for her work in Mathematics education.
Honored in the same ceremony was Mr. Don King O. Evangelista of Navotas National Science High School in the NCR for his Science teaching work.
They each received a cash prize of P100,000, a trophy, and a plaque of recognition.
Spearheaded by the DOST-SEI, the Brightest STAR Award is part of the STAR training program. The award is given to exemplary science and mathematics teachers who have been continuously applying their STAR training in their teaching practice and teaching communities. The citation serves to uplift teachers’ morale cultivate a culture of innovation among teachers.
Department of Education officials, Division Superintendents, Principals, School Heads, and STAR trainers from the 16 participating regions also joined in to witness the said awarding ceremony.
Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones praised all the finalists, lauding their capacity and flexibility to provide high-quality, accessible, and safe STEM education despite the uncertainties and worries brought on by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña underscored this in his message, referring to the finalists as S&T champions and pioneers under the new normal.
“The pandemic has been a big game changer for all of us, particularly in the academe and most especially in STEM education,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo. “And yet, the STAR program continues to live up to its name by being a light and guide for our educators and students, even among our marginalized communities.”
“I warmly congratulate and thank Ms. Baldelovar and Mr. Evangelista for their tireless work for and with our youth. Thank you both for lighting the way, and for being exemplars of the STAR program,” Dr. Biyo concluded.
A total of 70 nominations for the STAR Award were received from the 16 Philippine regions. Of these, only six national finalists were chosen, including Ms. Baldelovar and Mr. Evangelista.
For Mathematics, these were Mr. Mark Joseph C. Pastor of Ilocos Norte College of Trades and Ms. Janeve Caballa of El Salvador Central School.
For Science were Mr. Mark Joseph Cometa of Palina East National High School and Mr. Mark Anthony Leido of San Teodoro National High School.
Each national finalist received a cash prize of P10,000.00 and a plaque of recognition.
For more information on the Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) program and awards, visit e-star.ph or the Facebook page Science Teacher Academy for the Regions.
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