Even as his own community reeled from the devastation of the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake, University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Chancellor Atty. Leo Malagar chose to do what true teachers do best—lead by example.
When the tremors subsided, Malagar did not stay behind his desk. Instead, he joined the university’s volunteer arm, UP Cebu Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, composed of faculty, staff, and students, to reach out to the hardest-hit and most remote areas of northern Cebu.
In partnership with the University Student Council, the team immediately mobilized relief operations to bring aid to families who had been left isolated since the quake struck.
Away from Cebu, Filipino educators and advocates marked World Teachers Day yesterday into a call for accountability, condemning what they described as government neglect and rampant corruption plaguing the country’s education system.
In a press briefing, the Civil Society Network for Teachers called for genuine reforms in the education system.
“Bawal kumurap, walang kukurap. Panagutin, panagutin ang lahat ng corrupt. Stop corruption, education sagipin. Magna Carta ng Guro, ipatupad,” the groups chanted.
They sought for the implementation of the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 4670 or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers. Said law aims to promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, and their terms of employment, among others.
Likewise, they also demand salary increases for teachers citing their growing fiscal inadequacy while having a heavy workload.
In a social media post, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured the teachers of their support in every step of the way.
“For every lesson you have taught, for every child you have guided, thank you for your tireless dedication of time, talent, and concern. It may not always be easy, but because of you, the path of every Filipino child continues to be illuminated,” the post reads in Filipino.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged the educators’ hard work, perseverance, and tireless love that shape the youth.
A Mid-School Year Wellness Break for learners and teachers is scheduled on October 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 pursuant to DepEd Order No. 12, Series of 2025.
Malagar and the Pahinungód team personally helped deliver the first batch of relief goods and drinking water to upland communities in Medellin, San Remigio, and Daanbantayan—areas far from main roads and often overlooked in large-scale operations. Volunteers trekked muddy paths and steep trails, carrying hope and supplies to households that had received little to no help.
“The Pahinungód team is actively on the ground—rain or shine, day or night, making sure help reaches even the most remote areas.” The University said.
“This is where your donations go,” the team emphasized in an update. “We gave priority to the mountainous areas, as they have been less reached by assistance. With your continued support, we can extend hope and help to more families who need it most.” It added.
The second wave of relief operations on October 3 pushed even farther into hard-hit barangays of Tabuelan, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, and Medellin, focusing once again on mountain villages cut off by landslides and damaged roads.
In moments of crisis, he says, education is not only about lessons taught in classrooms—it is about compassion in action.
“We are community, kahit naranasan to ng UP Cebu, dapat pag-serbisyuhan pa rin natin ang Northern Cebu.” He said.
Under his leadership, UP Cebu continues to call for donations and mobilize volunteers for the next wave of missions. The initiative remains community-driven, fueled by the generosity of donors and the tireless spirit of volunteers who embody the university’s enduring commitment to serve.
The UP Board of Regents, in its 1399th meeting, has reappointed Malagar as Chancellor of UP Cebu. He began his first term in 2022 and is now set to continue his leadership as the campus moves into a new phase of academic and institutional development.
