Hawaii Senate honors two Fil-Am educators

Prof. Ernest Libarios Sr.

Dr. Amy Agbayani

HONOLULU – Hawaii’s State Senate honored two Filipino American educators, Prof. Ernest D. Libarios Sr. and Dr. Amefil “Amy” Agbayani, for their lifetime achievements.

Prof. Libarios, a college counselor, professor and deacon, was recently named also the recipient of the 2017 University of Hawaii College of Education Alumni Award. Libarios retired as a college counselor and full professor of Leeward Community College and as deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu in 2015.

He is the first Filipino counselor of a student services department of the UH Community Colleges system and first Filipino male graduate of Chaminade University.  Senator Will Espero presented a certificate to Libarios in the Senate Chamber gallery.

Dr. Agbayani received her lifetime achievement recognition on the last day of International Women’s month. Agbayani retired from the University of Hawaii as Assist. Vice Chancellor on Diversity and Director of the University’s Student Equity, Excellence and Diversity program (SEED).

Senator Donna Kim led the presentation on the Senate Floor Chamber where Agbayani also led a moment of contemplation on the legacy of the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress.