The search for an outstanding public school teacher to receive the prestigious Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) for 2023 has begun, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, June 13, announced.
Issuing a statement, DepEd said that the PMCA aims to “honor and recognize” the 11 Southeast Asian (ASEAN + Timor Leste) public teachers whose outstanding achievements “benefit education and human development.”
DepEd said that the qualified candidates for the Thai Princess Chakri’s Education Award must follow the PMCA Screening Committee criteria where teacher applicants must have participated in community and civic movements ---- especially where education is least accessible; introduced innovation in teaching that has benefited communities where they have taught; and can inspire, promote, and sustain the development of students and fellow teachers.
Nominees, DepEd explained, will undergo screening at the School Division Office, Regional Office, and the Central Office through the International Cooperation Office with the Philippines’ PMCA Selection Committee.
The PMCA Committee recommends the chosen awardee for the approval of the DepEd Secretary and endorses the Philippines’ nominee to the PMCA Foundation for Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s endorsement.
In honor of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, the award focuses on teachers who have made a considerable impact on the development and lives of learners, particularly those from disadvantaged groups.
Established on Princess Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday in 2015 through the PMCA Foundation, the Award looks for exceptional teachers in Southeast Asia whose achievements have resulted in a significant impact on the students' life and a better education system.
Since the first award in 2015, PMCA has recognized four recipients from the Philippines including William Moraca of General Santos City (2015), Jesus Insalada of Iloilo City (2017), Sadat Minandang of Cotabato City (2019), and Marcelo Otinguey (2021).
Meanwhile, Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones also emphasized the importance of teachers and the need to further strengthen the profession.
“We must strengthen the teaching profession, educational development, and international relations in the field of education by molding more teachers who will champion the disadvantaged youth,” Briones said.