Filipino teacher feted King Charles III's honor for education

A London-based Filipino educator has been named Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III in the 2025 New Year Honours List, a rare recognition for persons of Filipino heritage.

Edison David was included in the honors list published Monday in The Gazette, the official newspaper of the Crown.

The MBE honor recognized David's work in school leadership, system-wide improvement, and education policy in the UK, highlighting the expanding global footprint of Filipino educators.

David began his career as a public school teacher in Tarlac City before moving to the UK, where he built a senior leadership profile within the British education system. 

"It was a tremendous honour to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King," David said. 

"I may have spent most of my professional life in the UK, but my roots are firmly in the Philippines. I carried with me the values I grew up with — resilience, humility, hard work, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives," David said.

'Made a big difference'

David served as executive headteacher of two outstanding-rated schools in the London Borough of Lambeth. 

In the honors list, David's "services to Education" was lauded in his capacity as executive headteacher, or the UK equivalent of a principal, at the Granton Primary School, London Borough of Lambeth.

According to an information briefer by the UK government, an MBE is given to people who have "worked hard for their community over a long time and made a big difference."

"They have shown other people what can be done through their own hard work," the briefer read.

Beyond his work in schools, David was also a lead inspector for Ofsted, the UK's national education inspection body, and worked as a school improvement adviser supporting school leaders, particularly those serving disadvantaged learners.

On the national level, David was part of advisory groups under the Department for Education, where he provided inputs to government ministers on reforms related to school leadership and data management.

During the course of his career, David led the turnaround of underperforming schools and championed inclusive, research-informed teaching practices aimed at raising pupil achievement. He also spoke at international and national education forums, including events organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and regularly contributed to system-level school improvement initiatives.

About other Pinoy teachers, too

David said the honor reflected not only his personal journey but also the broader contribution of Filipino educators worldwide.

"This award was not only for me — it was for every Filipino teacher working hard in schools, whether here or back home," he said.

"I hoped it would inspire more of us to dream big, lead with purpose, and raise the flag of the Philippines with pride," David said.

The MBE was set to be formally conferred at an investiture ceremony in the months following the announcement, typically held at Buckingham Palace, where the medal would be presented by the King or a senior member of the Royal Family.

Nomination process

Honorees go through a nomination and validation process, with a multi-sectoral review panel submitting a proposed list to the Prime Minister. It is sent to Her Majesty the Queen for her agreement.

Persons submitting nominations may not nominate themselves, nor tell others that he or she submitted the same. Two or more letters must also be provided, stating that the senders agree with the nominator's suggestion.

The entire process can take about 18 months to two years. — VDV, GMA Integrated News