24/07/2026
More than a profession, teachinf is a vocation π Thank you making change happen, Teacher Efren Bino! ποΈ
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For 12 years, Efren Bino carried nearly every responsibility needed to keep an isolated island school running.
As the only teacher at Mataas Elementary School in Bacacay, Albay, he handled pupils from different grade levels while also taking on the duties of a school head, property custodian, and security guard.
Reaching the community required an eight-kilometer journey and a 40-minute boat ride. Because travelling every day was difficult and costly, he began staying inside the school during weekdays.
His responsibilities did not end when classes were dismissed. He also spent weekends at the school to tutor pupils who needed additional support.
When Typhoon Reming devastated Albay, the island community was left without electricity and water for nearly two years.
Efren sought assistance from sponsors and nongovernment organizations. His efforts helped secure a new two-classroom building and additional rehabilitation projects for the community. Electricity was eventually restored in early 2009.
The school later gained additional teachers and classrooms. Many of the pupils he taught were also able to continue their education and enter college.
Efren began teaching at Mataas Elementary School in 1996 and spent the next 12 years as its lone teacher. In 2010, his service was recognized through The Many Faces of the Teacher, a program honoring educators whose work made a lasting difference in their students and communities.
At Mataas Elementary School, Efren did far more than teach lessons. For many years, he helped ensure that the children had a school they could continue to attend.
Kudos po sa inyo, Sir Efren!