Two public school teachers from Zamboanga were awarded for their remarkable contributions to basic education in the 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award.
The two were among the ten recipients of the said award. The awardees received a P1 million cash prize, a gold medallion, and “The Flame” trophy at the ceremony, held as part of Metrobank’s 62nd Founding Anniversary celebration.
Ma. Ella F. Fabella, a Master Teacher II at Maasin Learning Center in Zamboanga City, and Franco Rino C. Apoyon, Head Teacher II at Kabasalan National High School in Zamboanga Sibugay, were recognized for their dedication to inclusive education, innovative teaching programs, and positive impact on their communities.
Fabella, an Indigenous People’s Education (IPEd) Program teacher, is an advocate of Sama-Bajau children, encouraging them to take pride in their heritage. She initiated “Project B.E.A.R. (Bajau Educational Activities and Recreation)” and launched the “Pantawid Tutorial Reading Program,” where parent leaders of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) serve as tutors for Sama-Bajau learners.
Apoyon,an environmental education advocate for over 11 years, has promoted “Greenducation” in Zamboanga Peninsula and remote barangays through the Youth for Environment in Schools Program.
