EastWest Champions Filipino Teachers at 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards

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East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) proudly stood alongside Filipino educators as the exclusive bank partner of JCI Manila’s 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA 2026), honoring teachers whose dedication, creativity, and service continue to shape lives and communities across the country.

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Investing in teachers, investing in the nation’s future

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EastWest and JCI Manila with the ten TOGA awardees

Held at PHINMA Plaza in Rockwell Center, Makati City, TOGA 2026 recognized ten outstanding educators whose work reflects the depth of Filipino teaching excellence.

Among this year’s honorees is Leticia C. Dela Cruz, a Teacher III from Navotas with 30 years of service, who continues to champion student welfare and learner rights.

In Cagayan de Oro, Ryan Capilitan Tura, a Master Teacher, serves Indigenous Peoples learners in a remote multigrade mobile school—bringing hope to students despite geographic barriers.

Meanwhile, in Isabela, Jerrypol Casil Palma, a Senior High STEM teacher, has earned national and international recognition, with his innovative PATIChem now used by schools across the country.

Completing this year’s roster are equally dedicated educators from across the country: Marie Joy Jacinto of Batac; Maureen Lou A. Aragoza of Vigan; Catalina M. Canasa of Cebu; Kim D. Grapa of Dipolog; Cesar Sucdad Martin of Benguet; Gloperlyn de Guzman Chavez of Bataan; and Ma. Cristina G. Bagas of Muntinlupa—each recognized for their commitment to advancing education and making a meaningful difference in their respective communities.

“Teachers are nation builders. In many ways, the future of our country is shaped every day in our classrooms, through educators who choose to serve with purpose,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “At EastWest, we believe that recognizing and supporting educators is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen families, communities, and ultimately, the future of the Philippines.”

Beyond recognition, EastWest advocates for empowering teachers through financial literacy. In 2025, EastWest Rural Bank launched GuroWAIS, a financial education program tailored for Filipino educators. Covering practical topics such as income, savings, budgeting, and long-term planning, GuroWAIS has already reached hundreds of teachers nationwide, with sessions conducted in partnership with JCI Manila and local DepEd offices.

“With GuroWAIS, we can help teachers build more confidence to manage today and prepare for tomorrow. And when they gain that confidence, the benefit goes beyond one person. It can reach their families, their students, and the communities they serve,” Ngo added.

Through TOGA and GuroWAIS, EastWest continues to champion educators, promote financial literacy, and invest in programs that strengthen communities.