5th EETA Lauds Best Practices and Innovators in Education
BY MICHAEL RAMOS
It was an afternoon like no other for institutions and individuals that received a prestigious trophy and cash prize from the recently concluded Excellence in Education Transformation Awards (EETA). Now on its 5th year, the EETA recognizes public and private schools, agencies, and individuals that have made a significant contribution in the field of education.
Six major awards were given to both public and private institutions. These are: Lawit Elementary School, Department of Education – Schools Division of Carcar, Department of Education – Schools Division of Camiguin, Chiang Kai Shek College, Create and Learning Paths School, and Diliman Preparatory School.
The highly regarded Oscar M. Lopez Award for Educational Leadership was presented by the president and Executive Director of Knowledge Channel Foundation, Ms. Rina Lopez Bautista and given to Navotas National High School Principal, Maria Cristina A. Robles.
“It was really very fulfilling on the sense that this is the time. I never thought that we will be recognized. I thought all the while that little thing we have been doing at Navotas High will not gain attention of anyone,” said Robles in an interview.
Meanwhile, former Senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng received the award for Diliman Preparatory School (DPS), where she is currently president and CEO. “We try our best to do things differently because we realize that we’re not giving with the same students as the school was dealing with 40 years ago, 30 years ago even 5 years ago so we just have to innovate and keep thinking of something new and keep creating an environment so that the children will become the best of himself 15 years from now,” Coseteng said. In her speech, Coseteng tearfully dedicated the award to her mother, Alice Guanco Marquez Lim, who founded the school in 1969.
A school that promoted inclusive learning Parañaque was also commended alongside DPS. Katrina Carandang, one of the school’s founding partners, could not believe they made it to the EETA. “We’re thankful because with the EETA, it gives us an opportunity to share what we know best practices and we’re privileged that we’re part of this group kasi ang galing nung mga innovations very impressive nakaka-touch talaga,” she said.
Ms. Dory Poa, president of Chiang Kai Shek College, was also delighted to receive an award on behalf of their school. “Of course we are very happy and very honored and very excited to get this award and it’s very inspirational. It inspired us to do more work to do more reform innovation in our school.”
Other key personalities in attendance were former DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera, REX Bookstore President Don Timothy Buhain, President and Chairman of Bayan Academy Dr. Eduardo A. Morato, and distinguished members from the Lopez family, local government units, and other organizations.
The EETA is a partnership of Bayan Academy, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Department of Education, ABSCBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, and REX Bookstore.
LOOK: The Winners of the 5th EETA at the Dolphy Theater in Quezon City