PIA Press Release
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Private foundation opens 2012 Search for Outstanding Teachersby Carina CayonDAVAO CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -– Public and private schools in all levels could now nominate deserving educators in the region to vie for the nationwide 2012 Search for Outstanding Teachers. The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. has opened the nominations for the SOT to teachers who “manifest profound commitment to the development of the youth through exemplary competence, remarkable dedication to their work, and effective educational leadership.” This year’s Search which carries the theme: “Raising Educational Excellence” will be giving recognition and awards to ten outstanding educators who have served as “role models to their students” and who have inspired to “follow a path of excellence.” On its 28th year, Metrobank Foundation has opened the SOT to elementary, secondary, and higher education teachers with a ten-year minimum teaching experience. MBFI senior program officer Allan A. Reyes said each school in the elementary category could nominate two of their teachers, one from the primary (Kinder to Grade III) and one from the intermediate (Grade IV to Grade VI). Schools in the secondary and higher education are entitled to nominate only one teacher each, Reyes stated. He added that satellite campuses of private colleges and universities and state universities and colleges, which are not autonomous, are now allowed to participate in the nomination. Past Regional and National finalists who have met the basic eligibility requirements and have shown sustained good moral standing in the community, are considered automatic Provincial Finalists, Reyes said. Reyes disclosed that the 2012 ten awardees will each receive a cash prize of P350,000, while their respective schools will be given a medal, trophy and a plaque of recognition. The National Finalists will still receive cash incentive of P20,000, while Regional Finalists will get P10,000 cash incentive. The finalists and nominators of the awardees will also get certificates of recognition. Reyes said that nominees just need to submit two page Basic Information Sheet (BIS) to the MBFI Secretariat or to the nearest Metrobank branch on/or before February 6, 2012. No additional documents are required, he added. The BIS forms are readily available in all the bank’s branches, at the Department of Education (DepEd) regional and division offices, and at Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regional offices nationwide. Reyes said that those found to be eligible will be asked to submit the official nomination forms on February 29. The forms may also be downloaded through MBFI’s website at www.mbfoundation.org.ph. He said that MBFI, a corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, has already provided recognition to 306 educators all over the country since 1984. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon) | 
