HE IS a licensed physical therapist but ended teaching Science instead. A teacher of ten years, Joey Ian Singson of Bacolod City National High School has been successful in the field that he chose.
In fact, Singson was recently named outstanding teacher in science in innovation in Southeast Asia during the 3rd Ki Hajar Dewantara Award.
The Ki Hajar Dewantara Award is a biennial award for the most outstanding science teacher in Southeast Asian Region inspired by Indonesia’s founding father of National Education.
The award is given by the Southeast Asian Ministry of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Quality Improvement of Teachers and Education Personnel (QITEP) in Science. Each 11-member country of the Asean, including the Philippines, sent a Science teacher to officially represent their country.
In the Philippines, the Department of Education – International Cooperation Office (ICO) conducts evaluation of all Science teacher delegates from all regional offices and determines the one Most Outstanding Science Teacher to represent the country.
In its third year, seven countries joined the competition and Singson was the official representative of the Philippines. Other participating countries aside from the Philippines are Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore.
He said they were asked to submit their best practices in Science education while a separate personal interview and innovation presentation were conducted to further evaluate the delegates.
“I have always been curious of the processes and physiology of the human body and how we respond to the different stimuli found in the environment (and) this is further amplified by Research that allows me to explore opportunities and innovations on education,” Singson said.
Although he originally wanted to teach English being a fan of literature, Singson said he believes that Science is a way of life and a dynamic discipline that will equip him to face challenges.
Asked to whom he dedicates his new achievement, Singson said he is dedicating this to his parents and other family members.
His new achievement, he said, is also a testament of love to his students who are the primary targets of all my innovations and programs and wanted to share this with the Research Team led by Sir Phillip Raymund De Oca, all the 33 Science teachers, his Science Supervisor Edna Rose Gueco, his mentors Mike Acoyong, Dr. Joji Linaugo and Dan Uguil, his school heads, his Principal, Allan Pomada, and Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine Sales.