Dumaguete City recently became the setting for a celebration of educators and their contributions to students and communities, as Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President Noel Marjon Yasi was recognized among this year’s Most Inspiring Teachers of the Philippines. The recognition was presented during an awarding ceremony held in Dumaguete City on September 5, 2026, bringing together educators from different parts of the country and highlighting the lasting impact teachers can have beyond the classroom.
Noel Marjon Yasi Among Seven Philippine Honorees
Yasi was one of seven educators from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao selected as this year’s Most Inspiring Teachers of the Philippines. The award is given by Saceda Youth Lead (SYL) and recognizes educators for their leadership, professional service, integrity, and influence on learners and communities. An additional educator from Brunei Darussalam was recognized as the ASEAN honoree. As president of NORSU, Yasi has also championed programs encouraging environmental stewardship and volunteerism among students, adding community engagement to his work in higher education.
Inspiring Students Beyond the Classroom
The recognition highlights an idea that teaching can extend far beyond lessons and examinations. Yasi shared that inspiring others requires passion and love for teaching, while expressing his hope of encouraging people to remain committed to their passions and reach out to young people. His recognition also reflects the different ways educators can influence their communities, whether through classroom instruction, school leadership, university programs, public service, or opportunities that allow students to become more involved in their surroundings.
Educators From Across the Philippines
The 2026 group of honorees represents different areas and levels of education.
The other Visayas honorees are Mark Paolo Cañada of St. Benedict Childhood Education Center and Morishka Nicole Uy, principal of Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School. The Luzon honorees are Jaida Malonzo, principal of Aguinaldo Elementary School, and Rachelle Sarmiento of the JPMC College of Health Sciences at Far Eastern University.
Representing Mindanao are Meilrose Peralta, assistant superintendent of the Department of Education in Sultan Kudarat, and Farah Diva Uto Sulaiman, a teacher at Campo Uno Elementary School in Lamitan City, Basilan.
