Fil-Am educators, leaders to be honored at TEACH awards in New York
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NEW YORK — Educators and community leaders who have made significant contributions to Filipino community empowerment will be recognized at the first Filipino American TEACH Awards in New York City this August.
Organized by the International Association of Multicultural and Filipino American Educators, Inc. (IAM FAME), the Teacher Empowering Achievement & Cultural Heritage (TEACH) Awards aim to spotlight excellence in education, diversity and cultural preservation.
The ceremony will be held on Aug. 22, highlighting the work of 15 individuals and one organization that have championed educational innovation and community empowerment.
Founded in March, IAM FAME is dedicated to supporting multicultural educators, promoting Filipino heritage and creating inclusive learning environments.
The organization’s leadership includes Dr. Archie Manalo of Las Vegas, Dr. Eleuterio Timbol of New York and Dr. Myleen Legaspi of the Philippines.
“With this initiative, we’re sharing what we’ve learned and experienced – with no strings attached,” said Dr. Manalo. “The best practices we’ve collected from years of teaching in the US are meant to empower others.”
Ten Filipino American educators will be recognized for their outstanding achievement in and beyond the classroom.
The awardees include:
– Dr. Ana Isabel Espino (Teaching Excellence Award), a respected Texas educator known for championing critical thinking and equity.
– Dr. Everly Rose Platon (Inspiring Minds Award), a New York-based teacher who integrates creativity and mindfulness in education.
– Kate Nwako (Teacher Impact Award), a New York City public school veteran and advocate for students with disabilities.
– Shawn Chisty (Educational Leadership Award), a curriculum innovator and diversity coordinator.
– Arnold Libayo (Innovative Teaching Award), a math instructor whose career spans Manila and Manhattan.
– Jocelyn delos Santos (Community Engagement Award), an advocate for strong school-community partnerships.
– Arwin Alitagtag (Dedicated Service Award), a math teacher known for fostering a college-going culture in Salt Lake City.
– Nadia Jackson Henry (Inclusive Teaching Award), a special education and math teacher with a focus on equity and social justice.
– Bernadeth Peña (PEACE Award), recognized for child-centered teaching and cross-border education initiatives.
– Joel Dogelio (PRIDE Award), a Bronx-based educator specializing in early childhood education innovation.
“This recognition is a driving force to amplify the dedication and work educators are doing, inside and outside the classroom,” said delos Santos.
In addition to educators, six Cultural Heritage Awards will recognize individuals and organizations promoting Filipino heritage and community service.
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The awardees include:
– Cristina DC Pastor (Treasure of the People Award), editor of TheFilAm.net and host of Makilala TV.
– Dr. Francisco Sy (Beacon of Light Award), a public health professional and advocate for health equity.
– Maureen Johnson (Servant Hero Award), an advocate for early childhood education.
– Judilyn Canete (Patriotic Women’s Award), founder of MedStar Billing, supporting healthcare training in underrepresented sectors.
– Talisay Association USA (Spirit of Solidarity Award), civic outreach group active in the US and the Philippines.
– Elton Lugay (Cultural Heritage Award), recognized for community organizing and initiatives highlighting Filipino American excellence.
IAM FAME leaders emphasize that the TEACH Awards are part of a broader effort to advance visibility, support and equity for multicultural educators and leaders.
“We are building a legacy of recognition and advocacy,” said Dr. Timbol. “This is just the beginning.”
Organizers plan for the TEACH Awards to become an annual celebration of Filipino pride and excellence in education and leadership.
