CAGAYAN DE ORO — In a powerful celebration of pedagogical excellence, EastWest Banking Corporation recently stood as the exclusive bank partner for the 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA 2026), hosted by JCI Manila at the PHINMA Plaza in Makati City. This prestigious ceremony shone a spotlight on ten extraordinary Filipino educators whose dedication, innovation, and relentless service have profoundly transformed lives and communities across the nation. By recognizing these "nation builders," EastWest reaffirms its commitment to supporting the teaching profession, which serves as the very bedrock of the country's future growth and development.
Celebrating Icons of Teaching Excellence
This year’s roster of awardees represents the incredible diversity and impact of the Philippine teaching sector, featuring heroes from all walks of life. Among those honored were Leticia C. Dela Cruz from Navotas, a veteran teacher with 30 years of service dedicated to student welfare, and Ryan Capilitan Tura from Cagayan de Oro, who masterfully operates a mobile multigrade school to bridge the educational gap for learners in remote Indigenous communities. Other outstanding awardees included innovative STEM educator Jerrypol Casil Palma from Isabela, alongside Marie Joy Jacinto, Maureen Lou A. Aragoza, Catalina M. Canasa, Kim D. Grapa, Cesar Sucdad Martin, Gloperlyn de Guzman Chavez, and Ma. Cristina G. Bagas. Each of these teachers was chosen for their ability to transcend geographic, social, and technological barriers to provide quality learning opportunities for their students.
Beyond Recognition: Empowering Teachers for Tomorrow
The partnership between EastWest and JCI Manila goes far beyond a single night of recognition, aiming to provide long-term support for the personal and financial well-being of Filipino educators. Through the "GuroWAIS" program, an initiative launched by EastWest Rural Bank in 2025, teachers are equipped with essential skills in income management, savings, and long-term financial planning. This advocacy, conducted in collaboration with local DepEd offices, has already reached hundreds of teachers nationwide, helping them gain the confidence to manage their personal finances effectively. As EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo noted during the event, empowering teachers with financial literacy has a ripple effect that ultimately benefits their families, their students, and the broader communities they serve.
Building a Sustainable Legacy for Education
The TOGA 2026 event is a milestone in a broader movement to institutionalize the recognition of teachers who exemplify integrity and resilience. By blending appreciation with practical professional development—such as the advocacy talks on financial literacy, health, and AI tools for productivity—the program equips educators with the tools they need to navigate an evolving modern landscape. As JCI Manila and its partners continue to scale these initiatives, the focus remains clear: investing in teachers is the most direct way to strengthen the foundation of the Philippines. By fostering a culture that values the sacrifices of our educators, this collaborative effort ensures that those who shape the future are given the resources and the respect they truly deserve.
