Regular classrooms have four walls and desks. Others, like the one “Mommy Dea” built under a mango tree, have open air, a few mats, and the burning will of children to learn.
“Mommy Dea” is Dea Gavas Solayao, a parent-volunteer at Maybancal Elementary School in Morong, Rizal.
Her quiet heroism is what the Department of Education (DepEd) would like to celebrate under its new “DepEd Heroes” program.
Launched on Friday, it aims to give lasting recognition to teachers, parents and volunteers, whose impact extends far beyond school premises.
“Dahil hindi tumitigil ang kanilang trabaho, hindi rin dapat tumigil ang ating pasasalamat (Because their work is unending, so is our gratitude),” Angara said in a news release.
He noted that the recognition should be celebrated not only for a day, but for an entire year, as they helped “transform lives” beyond schools.
“Mommy Dea” has been recognized for being a steadfast figure since the pandemic, turning makeshift spaces into learning hubs and volunteering as a tutor and storyteller in her community.
“Sa ilalim lang po kami ng mga puno ng mangga dati, walang silya, walang blackboard, pero puno ng kagustuhang matuto ang mga bata (Back then, we were doing our activities under a mango tree, no chairs, no blackboards, only the kids’ desire to learn),” she said in the DepEd news release.
The agency also honored Ma. Lourdes Rola, whose innovative projects Let it Grow and Alab (Alay-Lingap Alang-Alang sa Bata) provide direct support to disadvantaged children.
A Master Teacher II at Caloocan High School, Rola has been an educator for more than 15 years.
“To be called a hero is something I never imagined because for me, being a teacher has always been, not about recognition, but more about commitment and love for our learners,” she said.
Let it Grow focuses on advancing a growth mindset among learners, teachers, and parents; while Alab promotes adopt-a-child, wherein school supplies, transportation allowance, snacks, and mentorship are provided for disadvantaged learners. (PNA)
