Educator from Mt. Province is first Filipino conferred with equity and social justice advocacy award

Bontoc, Mt. Province - A milestone for the country's education sector has been achieved by Dr. Mark Preston S. Lopez, an educator from the School of Teacher Education at Mountain Province State University (MPSU), as he became the first Filipino recipient of the prestigious Equity and Social Justice Advocacy Award from the National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME).

The NAME Equity and Social Justice Advocacy Award is an annual honorific presented to individuals using their voice for social justice, equity, and inclusivity in schools and beyond.

To Dr. Lopez, the award is a great recognition of his relentless campaign towards quality and inclusive education.

On his Facebook page, in a message heaved from his heart, he expressed appreciation to his colleagues, students, and community partners. The communities from Sadanga and Bontoc School Districts are especially mentioned as they fully supported his pursuit of this goal.

“This recognition to our partner communities in Sadanga with our multi-awarded extension program there through its evident impact on uplifting K-12 educational delivery; the Bontoc school partners (Child Day Care Workers and ALBAGO schools), and the Catholic Schools of Mountain Province," the teacher wrote.

Lopez further noted that the honor is a testament to the collective efforts of all who believe in the transformative power of education.

" All community-based programs that we initiated thru our leadership left a significant impact to our intended beneficiaries. I share this with the School of Teacher Education and the MPSU Administration and the Office of the VPRDE and the School of Advanced Education. Endless gratitude to you all. I am just representing us all! Love prevails! " he added.

Said award not only underscores Dr. Lopez's commitment to social justice but also puts the Philippines on the world stage, bringing to light the profound impact of Filipino educators on the international scene.

As the first Filipino to receive this prestigious recognition, Dr. Lopez paves the way for other educators to continue the fight for equity and justice in education, demonstrating that meaningful advocacy can create lasting, positive change.