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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teacher battling cancer, ALS mentor named 'DepEd Heroes'

Teacher battling cancer, ALS mentor named 'DepEd Heroes'

Published Sep 15, 2025 04:16 pm
The Department of Education (DepEd) honors two inspiring educators—a cancer warrior and an ALS innovator—in the 2025 DepEd Heroes Program. (Photo from DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd) honors two inspiring educators—a cancer warrior and an ALS innovator—in the 2025 DepEd Heroes Program. (Photo from DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, September 15, announced two remarkable educators as part of the second batch of its DepEd Heroes Program, a recognition initiative that highlights the courage, dedication, and innovative spirit of public school teachers, personnel, and education partners across the country.
This year’s honorees include a high school teacher battling terminal cancer who continues to teach full time, and an Alternative Learning System (ALS) mentor pioneering livelihood programs in Laguna.
Teacher Marivic Villacampa: Courage in the face of cancer
Despite being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, Marivic Villacampa of Bulihan Integrated National High School in Silang, Cavite, continues to handle two full teaching loads while undergoing chemotherapy.
"Ako po ay [may] breast cancer, stage 4 triple positive. Hinamon ko ang taning ng siyensya kasi may Panginoon at sinasabi kong ako ay mabubuhay at patuloy na magpapastol sa mga batang nasa aking harapan (I have stage 4 triple-positive breast cancer. I challenged the prognosis of science because I have faith in the Lord, and I declare that I will live and continue shepherding the children before me)," she said.
DepEd said her unwavering determination has inspired colleagues and students alike, making her a symbol of strength and dedication within the education community.
Her story, DepEd added, has become a testament to courage and devotion, proving that true passion for teaching transcends personal challenges.
Teacher Mary Jane Reodica: Innovating ALS with community livelihood
In Laguna, ALS teacher Mary Jane Reodica has redefined education for out-of-school youth and adults through community-based skills training.
In 2021, she launched the Luisiana Alternative Livelihood and Advancement (L.A.L.A.) Project, which provides training in baking, meat processing, pandan weaving, candle making, computer literacy, and more.
One of her signature initiatives, “Pagpapasigla ng Kulturang Luisiana 101: Paglala”, revives traditional bayong weaving, preserving local culture while helping learners earn additional income. She also spearheaded the ALS Luisiana Festival, which celebrates academic and cultural achievements of learners through contests and performances.
“Ang pagiging ALS teacher ay hindi lang trabaho. Ito po ay isang misyon… saan man iyon, isang bagay ang hindi nagbabago: ang puso na magturo at ang pag-asa na makapagbigay-inspirasyon (Being an ALS teacher is not just a job. It is a mission… wherever it may be, one thing remains unchanged: the heart to teach and the hope to inspire)," Reodica said.
DepEd Heroes: Inspiring a culture of excellence
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the DepEd Heroes Program serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration within the education sector.
“Ito ang tunay na diwa ng DepEd Heroes. Hindi lang para kilalanin ang ating mga huwarang bayani kundi para magsiklab ng inspirasyon at hikayatin ang mas marami pang tao na maging parte ng pagtulong (This is the true spirit of DepEd Heroes. It’s not just about recognizing our exemplary heroes, but about igniting inspiration and encouraging more people to take part in helping)," he said.
DepEd also recognized two Central Office employees set to retire this month: Agnes James, Administrative Assistant II from the Office of the Secretary, for her exceptional 44 years of service, and Marietta Luisa Subido, Administrative Officer II from the Employee Account Management Division, for 9 years of dedicated government service.
The department extended its heartfelt gratitude to both retirees for their invaluable contributions to public education.

Related Tags

DepEd Heroes 2025 Department of Education Philippines DepEd honors teachers ALS innovator Philippines cancer warrior teacher DepEd awardees 2025 inspiring Filipino educators
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