DepEd honors cancer warrior, ALS innovator

The Department of Education honored on Monday two educators who exemplify resilience and innovation.

The latest awardees of DepEd's Heroes recognition program were a Cavite high school teacher battling terminal cancer while continuing her classroom duties and an Alternative Learning System (ALS) teacher from Laguna who pioneered community-based livelihood initiatives.

Despite a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, Marivic E. Villacampa of Bulihan Integrated National High School in Silang, Cavite, has continued 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,” Villacampa said.

(I have stage 4 triple positive breast cancer. I challenged the limits of science because I have God, and I say that I will live and continue shepherding the children before me.)

In Laguna, ALS teacher Mary Jane N. Reodica has expanded learning opportunities for out-of-school youth and marginalized adults through the Luisiana Alternative Livelihood and Advancement (L.A.L.A.) Project.

Launched in 2021, the program offers training in baking, meat processing, pandan weaving, candle making, computer literacy, and other livelihood skills. 

Among its centerpiece initiatives is “Pagpapasigla ng Kulturang Luisiana 101: Paglala,” which revives the traditional art of bayong weaving, helping learners generate income while preserving local heritage.

Reodica also organizes the annual ALS Luisiana Festival, a showcase of learner achievements through academic contests and cultural performances.

“Ang pagiging ALS teacher ay hindi lang trabaho. Ito po ay isang misyon. Ang ating mga silid-aralan ay hindi laging sa apat na sulok ng kwarto. Minsan kalsada, minsan barangay hall, minsan sa ilalim ng puno. Pero saan man iyon, isang bagay ang hindi nagbabago: ang puso na magturo at ang pag-asa na makapagbigay-inspirasyon,” she said.

(Being an ALS teacher is not just a job. It is a mission. Our classrooms are not always within four walls—sometimes it’s on the street, in a barangay hall, or under a tree. But one thing never changes: the heart to teach and the hope to inspire.)

The DepEd Heroes program was launched to highlight educators and partners who go beyond their call of duty, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion in education.

"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,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

(This is the true spirit of DepEd Heroes. It is not only to recognize exemplary figures but also to spark inspiration and encourage more people to take part in helping.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News