09/08/2026
WORLD-CLASS EXCELLENCE: CADIZNON EDUCATORS HONORED IN NYC
NEW YORK CITY, USA โ Two distinguished educators have brought immense honor to the Philippines, showcasing the world-class caliber of the Filipino teaching force on the global stage.
Dr. Sunday Vince V. Latergo, an Elementary Classroom Teacher at Naco Elementary School District No. 23 in Naco, Arizona, United States of America, and Dr. Noel S. Maraรฑon, Associate Professor V and Graduate School Coordinator of the Philippine Normal University (PNU) Visayas, represented the country with distinction at the Association of Filipino Teachers and Educators in America (AFTEA), Inc.โs 5th International Research and Education Conference (IREC) held from June 26 to July 5, 2026, in New York City.
A Triumph in Research and Scholarly Pursuits
The duoโs collaborative research paper, titled โThe Interplay of Personal, Professional Factors, and Teaching Performance Among U.S.-Based Filipino Educators,โ captured top honors, achieving a historic sweep in their category:
DR. ROBERTO N. PADUA MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
โข Best Paper - 1st Place โข
Cluster 2. Teacher Development, Educational Leadership, and AI-enabled Educational Systems
โข Best Presenter - 1st Place โข
Track 1. Educational Leadership
This scholarly achievement was made possible through the unwavering academic guidance of their Research Adviser, Dr. Alberto A. Rico, whose mentorship proved vital to their success. Beyond the accolades, this international recognition serves as a powerful testament to the value of research involvement, proving that dedication to the advancement of knowledge knows no boundaries and can open doors to unprecedented global opportunities.
Honoring Years of Service
The educators were further honored for their long-standing commitment to the teaching profession through the prestigious Light of the World and Light of the Nation Teaching Service Awards:
Dr. Sunday Vince V. Latergo received the Diamond Award (10th Year) for his exemplary teaching service. A dedicated educator whose career includes significant service as an Education Program Specialist II - Social Mobilization and Networking for the Department of Education Division of Cadiz City, Dr. Latergoโs journey reflects his deep passion for nation-building. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Management from PNU Visayas.
Dr. Noel S. Maraรฑon was conferred the Emerald Jubilee Award (35th Year) for his dedicated service. A multi-skilled academic leaderโa Registered Guidance Counselor and a Registered PsychometricianโDr. Maraรฑonโs extensive contributions at PNU Visayas have been instrumental in shaping the future of countless students and educators.
A Shared Victory: Gratitude to our Institutions
The researchers extend their deepest gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Cadiz City, led by City Mayor Hon. Salvador "Bading" G. Escalante, Jr., for his invaluable support. This partnership underscores the commitment of the Cadiz City government to empower its professionals and elevate the standard of education for every Cadiznon.
They also acknowledge the continuous support of the PNU Visayas leadership, whose academic environment fosters such world-class excellence. The researchers express their appreciation to Dr. Ralger D. Jocson (Office of the Executive Director and Provost), Dr. Gliceria Arlyn G. Garancho (Dean for Academics and the Hub), Dr. Richelle A. Delmo (Student Affairs and Services Unit), and Dr. Hazel G. Andrada (Associate Dean, Faculty of Teacher Development).
Their achievements resonate deeply, proving that with the support of our local leaders and the nurturing excellence of institutions like PNU Visayas, our educators can shine anywhere in the world and pave the way for future generations.
Congratulations, Dr. Latergo and Dr. Maraรฑon! Bilis Cadiz, Ugyon Cadiznon!
