Ramon Magsaysay Awardee not only a model teacher, but also a food security advocate

MANILA — An outstanding person who does not only possess a heart for teaching but also gains sensitivity towards his poverty-stricken students are the qualities of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awardee.

On Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) led by Secretary Bro Armin Lusitro FSC recognized an individual whose passion and commitment in pursuing quality basic education rise above the rest.

Randy Halasan, the head teacher of Pegalongan Elementary School has been lauded by DepEd for his unwavering contribution in the improvement of learning conditions of indigenous learners under his mentorship and guidance.

Halasan teaches the Matigsalog ethnic community in Pegalongan Elementary School with a population of 210 students at present. The school has nine classrooms and eight teachers. Through Halasan’s leadership, a cultural-minority high school has now been established in the area.

Knowing the needs and culture of the ethnic community in Matigsalug, Halasan proposed to have a senior high school in the area that specialized in agricultural-forestry as he believes that this would provide sustainability for the tribe.

Aside from being an outstanding teacher and leader, Halasan is also a food security advocate who provided a sustainable livelihood for the Matigsalug community through his coordination with Pegalongan Farmers Association, private organizations, and government agencies.

“I do not only focus in education but also in agriculture. If I only focus on education, children will still go hungry. We need to extend our initiatives beyond education to address the needs of the community,” the 31-year old Magsaysay awardee shared.

Halasan has also emphasized that everyone should make an initiative and not just rely solely on the government. We should rather go hand in hand with the government in the achivement of a better society, he added.

“To all teachers especially in remote areas, we should all be happy and inspired. There are so much that we can do bo help specifically to the tribes. Let us be creative and take initiative. Find linkages; we should not just rely solely on the government as they also shoulder bigger problems from which they need our help,” he further stressed.

“Halasan’s commitment to ensure that no learners are left behind in education serves as an inspiration to every Filipino teacher in the country,” the Education chief said.

Luistro said that Halasan’s heroism is a proof that there are also many other teachers just like him who has a heart and unwavering commitment for the Filipino students and community.

Meanwhile, Halasan has expressed his gratitude for the recognition he received which he did not only dedicate for himself but for the Filipino people as a whole.

“My Ramon Magsaysay award is everyone’s victory. This recognition shows the importance of our dedication as government employees especially in the Department of Education,” he said.