Benguet, Philippines – In recognition to his dedication and significant contribution to education and human development, Marcelo Otinguey, a teacher, was conferred the international Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) on October 29, 2021.
Otinguey is one among the 11 outstanding teachers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Timor-Leste, who received the award during the 4th PMCA held at PMCA Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand.
Her Royal Highness, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in said event, explained that the PMCA “underlines the imminently valuable role of teachers in society in fostering the learning of students to ensure that learning never stops."
Otinguey’s Advocacy and projects
Otinguey, 50, served as a teacher in Bakun, Benguet for 18 years before he was promoted as Head Teacher of Governor Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School in Kapangan, Benguet.
The PMC awardee made partnerships and linkages with various institutions, foundations, government and non-government organizations, and corporations for support with the implementation of his advocacy on community development and cultural heritage education.
For the development of the school and the community, Otinguey launched different programs, such as book donation drives for indigent youth and persons with disabilities.
Among his book donations drives are “Share-a-Joy/Share Your Extras” and “Books for the Barrios.” The latter project intends to put up libraries as reading centers for primary and secondary students.
He likewise invited cultural masters in the community to teach at the school, hoping to preserve culture and traditions, that he described as ‘one’s identity.’
Also, the PMC awardee launched the “Wheels for Persons with Disabilities” to provide wheelchairs for PWDs.
In an interview with PTV Cordillera, Otinguey disclosed that he dedicated his international award to his father and to everyone who believed in his ability.
The PMC awardee expressed gratitude to the Department of Education, International Cooperation Office (ICO), Thailand Minister of Education Trinuch Thienthong, PMCA Foundation Chairman Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, Royal Thai Embassy, and to all who supported his journey.
He advised teachers with the same advocacy to “grasp opportunities then do something else, be creative, show your ingenuity, show your innovation.”
Regional Director of DepEd Cordillera Estella Cariño hopes that “other teachers will learn from his experience because this is the first time that an international award will be won by somebody from CAR.”
Prior to receiving the said award, Otinguey got various local and national awards, including the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in 2005, Metro Bank Outstanding Teacher, Happiest Pinoy Honoree, among others.
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