TOGA Advocacy Talks and Sustainability Forum Inspire Educators at UPHSD–Las Piñas

On May 5, 2025, the University of Perpetual Help – Las Piñas Campus became a vibrant center of learning and empowerment as educators gathered for two key events supporting teacher development and environmental sustainability: the TOGA Advocacy Talks for Teachers and the Recycling & Sustainability Forum.

These activities are integral to the Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA) campaign, a comprehensive program dedicated to strengthening the foundation of education in the Philippines. TOGA operates through four distinct phases: Partnerships, Training, Judging, and Recognition.

The Partnerships phase lays the groundwork by forging vital collaborations with the Department of Education, local School Division Offices, individual schools, and JCI Local Organizations. These partnerships are crucial for organizing free, accessible training sessions for teachers in their communities.

The Training phase, highlighted by the May 5 Advocacy Talks, empowers educators nationwide through specialized workshops. The 2025 training focus areas include Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, Teacher Empowerment, and Health Protection. These workshops not only build teacher capacity but also serve as the exclusive pathway for educators to qualify for nomination to the prestigious Ten Outstanding Guro Awards.

On this day, teachers engaged deeply in sessions that emphasized practical skills and holistic growth. The day featured inspiring talks from notable speakers such as Director Dexter Toribio, Senator Lec Toribio, and RSDD Caloy Capacillo, who shared wisdom on leadership, public service, and community development. Following the Advocacy Talks, the Recycling & Sustainability Forum delved into pressing environmental issues. Commissioner Dave Mariano led comprehensive discussions on recycling, waste segregation, sustainability, and the circular economy, emphasizing educators’ critical role in fostering ecological awareness among students and communities.

JCI Manila 2021 President Richard Tamayo Jr. and Dr. Gigi Lenon of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Las Piñas provided generous support and hospitality, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

Meanwhile, just two days earlier on May 3, 2025, TOGA held a similarly inspiring event in Cagayan de Oro, organized in partnership with JCI Macajalar 24K and JCI Kagayhaan Gold. The project was proudly led by Project Chairman Mark Gotauco, Vice Chairman Miguel Luis Flores, and Leg Chairman Randolph Vista. Trainers RSDD Caloy Capacillo and Senator Lec Toribio delivered powerful sessions that ignited a passion for positive change among educators in Mindanao.

Adding to these successful on-site engagements, the Grand Online Leg of TOGA was held on May 10, 2025, via Zoom. The virtual event attracted over 100 passionate participants from across the country, further expanding TOGA’s reach and impact through accessible, nationwide digital learning.

After the training and capacity-building phases, TOGA moves into the Judging stage, where comprehensive nomination packages are collected from eligible teachers. These submissions showcase personal narratives detailing each educator’s impact, validated by testimonials from colleagues, former students, and parents. This community-verified approach ensures that honorees truly represent outstanding service and dedication.

The program culminates in the Recognition phase with a formal awards ceremony scheduled for June 21, 2025, in Manila. The committee is committed to honoring awardees by covering travel and accommodation expenses for those outside Metro Manila and presenting meaningful rewards such as cash prizes, school supplies, and prepaid medical insurance cards—testaments to their lasting contributions to education.

The success of these events reflect TOGA’s enduring commitment to empowering Filipino teachers, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable development. By linking capacity-building with recognition, TOGA continues to inspire educators to be catalysts for positive change, both inside and outside the classroom.

TOGA is proudly managed under the Limitless Team, led by Training Director Bryan Zafra, ensuring a seamless and effective execution of all phases of this impactful program.