The Metrobank Foundation is now accepting nominations for the country’s most prestigious and sought-after award for Filipino teachers?the 2012 Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT). Supported by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), this year’s theme is “Raising Educational Excellence”. The theme hopes to inspire teachers and educators to aspire for excellence and boost the quality of education in the country. Now on its 28th year, the Search continues to bestow honor upon the teaching profession by giving special recognition to teachers who manifest profound commitment to the development of the youth through exemplary competence, remarkable dedication to their work, and effective educational leadership. Since its launch in 1984, the Search has awarded a total of 306 educators all over the Philippines.  

Joining the Search is now made even easier. Teachers just need to submit a two (2) page Basic Information Sheet (BIS) with no additional documents required. The Search is open to all teachers in the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels in both public and private schools throughout the country. A Filipino citizen, he/she must be actively teaching in the country for the last 10 years. Nominees must be teachers with valid PRC license. Outstanding teachers will be evaluated according to the following criteria: personal qualities and character, instructional competence and teaching effectiveness, and professional and community involvement.  

For the elementary competition, schools are entitled to two nominees, one each from both primary (Kinder to Grade III) and intermediate levels (Grade IV to Grade VI), while schools for secondary and higher education competitions are entitled to one nominee, respectively. Satellite campuses of private colleges and universities and state universities and colleges (SUCs), which are NOT autonomous, are now entitled to nominate per competition. Past Regional Finalists and National Finalists of the Search, who meet the basic eligibility requirements and have shown sustained good moral standing in the community, are deemed automatic Provincial Finalists.

Exciting prizes and surprises await the winners and these will be awarded during Metrobank’s 50th anniversary. The 2012 awardees will receive cash prizes amounting to Php 350,000.00 each, a medal and trophy, and a plaque of recognition for their school. National Finalists not chosen as winners will receive Php 20,000.00 cash incentive and a Certificate of Recognition while Regional Finalists will get P10, 000.00 cash incentive and a Certificate of Recognition. Nominators of awardees will also receive Certificates of Recognition.

The deadline for submission of the BIS to the Metrobank Foundation Secretariat or to the nearest Metrobank branch in your area is on/or before February 6, 2012. Basic Information Sheets are now available in all Metrobank branches, DepEd regional and division offices, and CHED regional offices nationwide. Those found to be eligible will then be asked to submit the official nomination forms on February 29th. The forms may also be downloaded through the Foundation’s website at www.mbfoundation.org.ph. For more details, please call the Secretariat at tel. no. (02) 898-8898; telefax: (02)818-5656/750-0837; or e-mail: idlabitad@metrobank.com.ph; or aareyes@metrobank.com.ph.