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PASIG CITY, October 20, 2023— Jerwin O. Valencia, a teacher from Dingras National High School in Ilocos Norte, is the Philippines’ fifth recipient of the prestigious Princess Maha Chakri Awards (PMCA) in recognition of his invaluable contribution to his community.

Through his efforts, he began a community-wide engagement that resulted in the creation of the AgBALAYgi Project, a housing project that benefited 30 learners and their families in Ilocos Norte and Laoag City. Thousands of volunteers came together to construct 34 households for the selected families.

He also spearheaded Project Sagut-Ayat para iti Arapaap (Gift of Love for a Dream), a mental and emotional help program targeted to young learners to motivate them to continue their studies. Through the program, learners are given intervention to ensure that they continue their studies.

Mr. Valencia also used his skills as a Mathematics teacher to develop several programs to aid struggling students with the subject. He launched Project M.A.T.H (Make A Tremendous Help) and Wag Mathakot Project for Grade 7 learners to ensure they are well-guided in the subject.

In addition, Mr. Valencia is also behind some projects promoting the sustainability of learners and their families in the community. He is behind the Backyard Gardens Project wherein families are given free seedlings to plant in their backyard gardens to serve as source of food, Project Iligtas to foster environmental awareness, and relief operations that catered to over 300 affected households.

Mr. Valencia accepted his award in a ceremony hosted by the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF) in Bangkok, Thailand, last October 17, 2023.

The PMCA is a biennial award given by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s dedication to educational development.

The award aims to honor and give recognition to dedicated teachers in Southeast Asia, support the development of the teaching profession, and strengthen international relations in the field of education.

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