Filipino Scientist Receives Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award Under Egypt’s Presidential Auspices

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Laureate’s Acceptance Speech Moves Audience in Egypt, Emphasizing Kindness, Compassion, and Service as True Measures of Greatness




L-R: Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate Glenn Banaguas, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research





The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has announced the winners of the prestigious Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award 2025, conferred under the auspices of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi of Egypt. In its inaugural edition, the Award honors individuals whose work exemplifies the transformative power of science, culture, and diplomacy.

Among the first Laureates is Glenn Banaguas, a world‑renowned Filipino science diplomat and multi‑awarded scientist, recognized for his pioneering leadership in climate resilience and sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and science diplomacy. He joins Prof. Hassan Shafik Abdullah, a British national of Egyptian origin, in receiving this historic distinction.

The Award carries a monetary value of one million Egyptian pounds, along with a gold medal and an official certificate of excellence. It reflects the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s mission to rekindle the spirit of its ancient predecessor, a beacon of knowledge and dialogue, and to inspire global collaboration in addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.

In his acceptance speech, delivered at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina before distinguished leaders and colleagues, Banaguas moved the audience with words that transcended triumph and spoke to humanity’s higher calling. He began with humility:

“To be recognized as the first laureate of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award is a moment of deep honor, one that I accept not for myself alone, but on behalf of all who believe in the power of science and diplomacy to transform lives.”

He offered heartfelt thanks to Egyptian leaders and organizers, including His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Minister Yousri El Gamal, Head of the Jury Committee, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as well as Mr. Mohamed Salmawy and Dr. Mahmoud Hashem, distinguished members of the Supreme Committee of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award. In his words, he recognized their tireless commitment to advancing science and education as pillars of progress, their dedication to ensuring that the award reflects excellence and service, their visionary leadership in sustaining the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a global lighthouse of knowledge, and their wisdom in shaping this recognition. His gratitude set the tone for a speech that blended ceremonial dignity with profound moral reflection, elevating the moment into one of shared honor and collective purpose.

Banaguas shared lessons from his journey, reminding the audience that success and failure alike shape resilience. He spoke of the choice between striving to be the best and choosing to be kind:

“To be the best may win applause for a moment, but to be kind ensures that our impact endures across generations. Kindness is the true measure of greatness.”

He highlighted two initiatives that defined his path: Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service, which evolved into the Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN, and the Science Diplomacy Program, which expanded from the Philippines to ASEAN, Asia, and the world. These efforts, he emphasized, belong not to him alone but to communities and institutions united by the belief that knowledge must be transformed into service, and service into unity.

Banaguas concluded with a call to action, urging leaders and future generations to embrace compassion, humility, and forgiveness as enduring virtues:

“Greatness fades, but kindness endures. Achievements are remembered, but compassion is never forgotten. Titles may be lost, but humility and forgiveness live forever in the hearts of those we touch. May kindness be our legacy, compassion our language, and forgiveness our gift to the world.”

The ceremony, marked by orchestral music and seamless coordination, became more than an awarding event, it was a celebration of humanity, of knowledge, and of hope. For Banaguas, it was a defining moment that inscribed his name into the living history of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a sanctuary of wisdom and a beacon of humanity’s eternal quest for knowledge.

“With tears of gratitude, I embrace my place in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina family, a home of knowledge, culture, and humanity where I will belong forever.”



The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern “Library of Alexandria”, plays a vital role in the global scientific community. It serves as a cultural and intellectual hub, hosting the Arab Regional Office of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and collaborating with the International Science Council (ISC) to advance science, knowledge, and diplomacy worldwide. This positioning underscores the institution’s role not only as a guardian of heritage but also as a modern platform for scientific cooperation and dialogue.

DepEd champions TVET, stronger alignment of education, training, and industry at 16th ASEAN meet

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MANILA, 20 February 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) underscored the importance of stronger alignment among education institutions, training providers, industry partners, and government agencies as it represented the Philippines at the 16th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework Committee (AQRFC) Meeting.


DepEd emphasized that building a future-ready workforce requires a common framework that connects basic education, technical-vocational training, higher education, and employment, ensuring learners can transition more smoothly from school to work.


Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that strengthening alignment across sectors remains central to preparing Filipino learners for evolving workforce demands.

 


"Our biggest asset is our people. Under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, we are envisioning a more creative and innovative Filipino learner, which will be a significant boost to the industry," Angara said.


This shared direction is reflected in ongoing updates to the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), which helps define clearer pathways for learners and ensures that skills gained in school and training are recognized and valued across sectors.


The updated PQF now features eight levels aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework, with clear vertical, horizontal, and diagonal pathways between technical-vocational and higher education. Senior High School is mapped to Level 3, while micro-credentials have been formally integrated to support lifelong learning and give learners more flexible opportunities to build skills over time.


DepEd also underscored the need for stronger coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to address persistent gaps between education and employment outcomes. The Department reiterated its support for a unified labor market information system and the expansion of enterprise-based training and industry-led upskilling programs.


These efforts aim to ensure that learners are better supported throughout their education and training, and are more prepared as they transition into technical-vocational programs and, ultimately, into the workforce.


The ASEAN meeting also followed the formal turnover of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Final Report and the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035 to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reinforcing the government’s whole-of-system approach to education and workforce development.


The revised PQF and ongoing legislative reforms, including the proposed Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act of 2025, expanded recognition of prior learning, and strengthened distance education policies, are expected to further support alignment across education, training, and employment sectors.


Angara emphasized that while the roadmap is now clearer, sustained coordination and shared accountability among institutions will be essential to ensure successful implementation.


"We already see alignment under President Marcos' leadership. The challenge now is execution—staying the course, aligning budgets and incentives, and holding ourselves jointly accountable for learning outcomes," he said.

PBBM salutes nearly 2,000 promoted teachers in Bulacan, Pampanga

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CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan, 19 February 2026 — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday lauded the almost 2,000 newly promoted public school teachers and school leaders in Central Luzon, as the government accelerated the rollout of a career progression program aimed at expanding promotion opportunities in the education sector.



“Today, as you take your oath, you reaffirm the belief that every Filipino child deserves a fair shot at a brighter tomorrow. Bawat lesson plan na ginawa ninyo, bawat karanasan sa silid-aralan na nililikha ninyo, bawat mabuting asal na itinuturo ninyo, doon unti-unting nabubuo ang kumpiyansa at pangarap ng ating mga estudyante,” President Marcos said.



Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the oath taking of 1,991 promoted and reclassified personnel from Bulacan and Pampanga at the City of San Jose del Monte Sports Complex. The group included teachers promoted to higher ranks from Teacher II to Teacher VII, Master Teachers I to III, and school principals from Principal I to Principal IV.



The ceremony forms part of the nationwide implementation of Republic Act No. 12288, or the Career Progression for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, signed by President Marcos in 2025. The law establishes a structured, competency-based system that allows educators to advance through either classroom teaching or school leadership tracks, with equivalent salaries and benefits.

“Sa pagpapabilis at pagpapalawak ng promosyon, mas napapalakas natin ang hanay ng mga guro na siyang susi sa mas dekalidad na edukasyon para sa bawat batang Pilipino,” Secretary Angara said. “Malinaw na pagsasabuhay ito ng prayoridad ng Pangulo na palakasin ang ating sistema ng edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng mas matibay na suporta sa ating mga guro.”



The Bulacan and Pampanga cluster accounted for one of the largest groups of newly promoted personnel in recent months. Bulacan recorded 408 promotees, followed by Pampanga with 368, Mabalacat City with 301, Angeles City with 238, and the City of San Fernando with 233. Other school divisions included Meycauayan City with 128, San Jose del Monte City with 145, Malolos City with 90, and Baliwag with 80.



More than 16,000 teachers nationwide had already been promoted under the expanded career progression system, with 40,000 more applications under review.



Implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd), the new system expands career ranks, including Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V, to address long-standing promotion bottlenecks and recognize teachers’ professional growth and years of service.



Angara noted the reform is designed to boost morale, retain experienced educators in classrooms, and strengthen instructional quality in public schools.



The oath-taking in Central Luzon follows similar ceremonies in other regions. In January, 789 teachers in the Ilocos Region were sworn into higher positions, while 2,915 personnel in the National Capital Region were promoted or reclassified under the same program and through regular promotion channels.

At the same time, DepEd continues to implement the YAKAP program, a comprehensive initiative focused on the welfare of teachers, personnel, and learners, which includes strengthened access to healthcare services in partnership with PhilHealth.



President Marcos and Sec. Angara visited YAKAP implementation in Minuya Elementary School in Bulacan, where they engaged with teachers and personnel and underscored the government’s commitment to supporting educators beyond career advancement.