DepEd Launches ‘DepEd Heroes’: Honoring the Silent Champions of Philippine Education

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MAKATI CITY, 15 August 2025 — In a world where medals and trophies often crown only the most visible victories, the Department of Education (DepEd) has chosen to spotlight the quiet, steadfast heroes whose courage and service rarely make it to headlines. With the unwavering support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration, DepEd unveiled its newest nationwide recognition program, “DepEd Heroes”—a tribute to the unsung champions of education.

The initiative aims to honor not just teachers, but also parents, school heads, and community volunteers whose extraordinary dedication has shaped lives both inside and beyond the classroom. Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the essence of this program in his keynote message:

“Panahon na para kilalanin ang kabayanihan ng mga guro, magulang-volunteer, school heads, at education partners hindi lang sa iisang petsa, kundi sa buong taon. Dahil hindi tumitigil ang kanilang trabaho, at hindi rin dapat tumigil ang ating pasasalamat.”

This is not about fleeting applause. It is about lasting recognition for those who, through small yet profound acts, build the foundation of the nation’s future.

The First Roll Call of Heroes

On its maiden launch, DepEd conferred the title of “DepEd Heroes” to two exemplary figures: Ma. Lourdes D. Rola, Master Teacher II of Caloocan High School, and Dea Gavas Solayao, a parent-volunteer from Maybancal Elementary School in Morong, Rizal.

Their stories embody the spirit of heroism—unyielding service, unshakable hope, and unrelenting love for learners.

Teacher Lou: Planting Seeds of Growth and Resilience

For over 15 years, Teacher Lourdes “Lou” Rola has believed that education is not merely about equations and grammar rules—it is about nurturing a mindset that empowers both learners and educators.

Her advocacy, Project LET IT GROW, emphasizes resilience and the cultivation of a “growth mindset,” reminding students and teachers alike that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones. Beyond this, she spearheaded Project ALAB (Alay-Lingap Alang-Alang sa Bata)—a teacher-led adopt-a-child initiative that provides disadvantaged learners with school supplies, transportation assistance, snacks, and long-term mentorship.

“To be called a hero is something I never imagined,” Teacher Lou humbly shared. “For me, being a teacher has always been less about recognition and more about commitment and love for our learners.”

Her words echo the truth about real heroes: they do not seek the spotlight, yet their light shines brightest in the lives they touch.

Mommy Dea: A Mother Who Became a Storyteller for a Generation

In Morong, Rizal, Dea Gavas Solayao, fondly called “Mommy Dea”, carries a gift not found in textbooks—her voice.

Her volunteer journey began in 2020, when the pandemic silenced classrooms but not the hunger to learn. She started as a Gabay Aral tutor, guiding struggling learners through their lessons. But her role evolved when she discovered the profound impact of storytelling.

Through the Barangayan para sa Bawat Bata Bumabasa (BRB4) program, she has since become the community’s storyteller, bringing children together under mango trees, in makeshift spaces with no chairs or blackboards, armed only with stories that fuel imagination.

“Sa ilalim lang po kami ng mga puno ng mangga dati,” she recalled. “Walang silya, walang blackboard, pero puno ng kagustuhang matuto ang mga bata. Kasi sila po mismo ‘yong gumagawa ng paraan para makasali doon sa ginagawa kong pagtulong.”

Her words capture the raw, unpolished truth of grassroots heroism—ordinary people creating extraordinary change through compassion and persistence.

A Nationwide Call to Honor More Heroes

Through DepEd Heroes, the Department envisions finding more individuals like Teacher Lou and Mommy Dea—people whose everyday acts of service may never reach the headlines but whose influence is quietly transforming the future of Philippine education.

The program will extend its search beyond the gates of well-known institutions and into the overlooked corners of communities, where real champions are often found.

In celebrating these stories, DepEd is rewriting the definition of heroism—not just in grand battles, but in whispered lessons, shared stories, and unseen sacrifices.

Because in the end, a nation is not built by those who seek applause, but by those who give themselves without expecting it.

And through DepEd Heroes, their names, their sacrifices, and their legacies will finally be remembered.

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