President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has lauded a school head from Davao City for his initiatives that contributed to the learning and development of students.

Marcos recognized and commended June Elias Patalinghug in front of the thousands of teachers during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day celebration.

“Davao City, Teacher June Elias Patalinghug promotes innovation in the classroom. Through his Project KAHIG he not only offered essential remediation but also provides school supplies and nourishment to the children that are in need,” Marcos said.

Patalinghug started as Teacher 1 before getting promoted as school head of Ciriaco Mariano Elementary School in Davao City.

For 13 years as a teacher, he did not limit himself within the four corners of the classroom, but he went beyond by creating initiatives that would improve the learning of students and the community.

“Akong desire gyud is to really serve the community…So, akong way gyud of serving is instead of magstay lang ko sa akong eskwelahan, sa confines lang sa akong school, so, kailangan gyud nako iextend sa community akong tabang not because kanang motivated ko because of awards or unsa paman na dira pero mao gyud na akong buhaton. Gusto gyud nako iextend ang mga grasya nga ginahatag sa Ginoo sa akoa,” Patalinghug said.

Among his initiatives include the Outdoor Learning Environment Program and Project Knowledge and Heart-Based Immersion for Graders or KAHIG.

He was also known for his content on social media where he shares his knowledge to the online audience.

“Akong ishare akong latest project which is about Project Kahig. Ako jud siyang gibuhat together with the teachers of Ciriaco Mariano Elem. School para gyud sa mga bata na knowing na ang among eskwelahan man gud kay gitukod gyud siya para sa mga anak sa mga scavengers o ginatawag nato nga mangahigay. So, nagcreate mi og continues improvement project which is really successful jud siya ug nagaexpand sa amoang community,” Patalinghug added.

Because of his efforts for education, he was recognized as one of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos and 2024 Civil Service Commission Pagasa Awardee.

As a school head now, Patalinghug said the challenge already include not only students but also teachers.

“Ako gyud ginaingon sa ilaha permente nga kanang pagpanudlo, paghatag sa tanang nimong kasing kasing sa imohang pagiging teacher is mao gyud na siya imong highest form sa pagserbisyo sa Ginoo,” Patalinghug said.