Over 360 Filipino educators and students were recently honored for their exemplary contributions at the inaugural Tribute and Gathering for Filipino Teachers and Students in Brunei Darussalam held at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall of The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong.
On hand to present the awards was the guest of honor, Meynardo L. Montealegre, the Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.
The ceremony was held to recognize all outstanding teachers and fellow Filipino students in Brunei who have excelled in various fields be in academic or non academic according to their respective spheres of influence.
In his speech, the ambassador honored the teachers who played an extraordinary part in the lives of children during the formative years of their development.
He believes that the involvement in developing their students into responsible citizens of the country “is the main rationale for giving them (teachers) recognition at this juncture”.
He also acknowledged the Filipino student-awardees who have accomplished remarkable achievements in school and in their respective communities.
“I have always believed that the future of any country depends upon it’s students. A country’s name and fame rest on its educated youth,” he noted.
The night saw an attendance of more that 700 guests who were also entertained by Filipino students and teachers showcasing the Filipino artistry in singing and dancing.
Out of the total awardees, 244 were educators while 121 were students accepting various awards including Outstanding Teacher Award , Outstanding Student Award, Service Award and Certificates of Recognition.
Accepting a token of appreciation from the ambassador was Tony Alabastro, former member of the editorial team of Borneo Bulletin, for his invaluable service and assistance to Brunei Filipino Educators Club (BFEC).
Also present were Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education), at the Ministry of Education, members of BFEC led by the President, Vicente Gavino Cyrus D Cabrera Jr; teachers from government and private schools; Filipino community; proud parents; and sponsors.