The Coalition for Better Education (CBE) recently bestowed Medal of Excellence awards to 10 outstanding Education students.
The Medal of Excellence Awards recognizes College of Education students with above-average academic standing.
This year’s CBE Medal of Excellence awardees were: Krizan Grachelle P. Andrin (University of Cebu), Sharlou M. Beltran (Cebu Institute of Technology University), Tinna Franzhara C. Chan (Cebu Normal University), Ivy C. Donque (Southwestern University), Josephine Ann E. Fajardo (Mandaue City College), Sue Anne E. Gonza (University of San Carlos), John Kenneth D. Lumapay (Cebu Eastern College), Irish J. Silva (Talisay City College), Althea P. Tigue (St. Theresa’s College) and Lavernia P. Velez (Lapu-Lapu City College).
“This awarding is our way of producing good teachers, who should be good role models. If we want a better society, we must have better teachers,” said CBE president Jeffrey O. Tarayao during the presentation of the awardees last week.
Tigue, who graduated magna cum laude, said the award opened her eyes to the importance of having good teachers for special children. She completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education major in special needs education.
“I should extend my help to the special children who need it. I also want to inform people that special children should not be discriminated against but accepted,” she said.
Silva, another magna cum laude, said she believed her purpose “is to fill young minds with the right information they need to enable them to make the right decisions.” Silva completed a bachelor’s degree in secondary education major in English.
Velez, a cum laude graduate of secondary education major in English, said her outlook changed after she received the award.
“I realized that if I want change to happen in society, I should start with myself first,” she said.
Meanwhile, the coalition announced that it will expand the awards to recognize outstanding high school students in Grades 10-12 as well.
“We will give the criteria and application process for the new award at the start of the school year,” Tarayao said.
Only one student will be awarded each semester per institution. The awardee will receive a CBE leadership medal and a certificate of recognition during his/her graduation. He/she is entitled to free membership in the organization for a year.
The coalition, convened in 2001, aims to improve the quality of Philippine education system.
It was created by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Aboitiz Group Foundation, Inc.; and the Philippine Business for Social Progress.
The coalition is composed of members of the academe, students, parents, business groups, government and nongovernment organizations.
It conducts events, fora and exhibits in relation to education./ Andrea D. Lim, Silliman Intern