Recognizing their extraordinary dedication and hard work, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched "DepEd Heroes," a new national recognition program that aims to find and honor the country’s unsung champions of education.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the program aims celebrate teachers, parents, and community partners whose courage and service have transformed lives in and beyond the classroom.

Angara also said that the initiative is meant to give lasting recognition, not fleeting applause.

“Panahon na para kilalanin ang kabayanihan ng mga guro, magulang-volunteer, school heads, at education partners hindi lang sa iisang petsa, kundi sa buong taon. Dahil hindi tumitigil ang kanilang trabaho, at hindi rin dapat tumigil ang ating pasasalamat,” Angara said.

This year's awardees include Ma. Lourdes D. Rola, Master Teacher II of Caloocan High School, and Dea Gavas Solayao, a parent-volunteer from Maybancal Elementary School in Morong, Rizal.

Teacher Lou, a veteran educator with over 15 years in both secondary and tertiary teaching, has built her career around the belief that learning is as much about mindset as it is about mastery of subjects. Her flagship advocacy, Project LET IT GROW, instills resilience and a “growth mindset” among students, teachers, and parents.

She is also the driving force behind Project ALAB (Alay-Lingap Alang-Alang sa Bata), a teacher-led adopt-a-child program that provides school supplies, transportation support, snacks, and sustained mentorship for disadvantaged learners.

“To be called a hero is something I never imagined because for me, being a teacher has always been about, not about recognition, but more about commitment and love for our learners,” Teacher Lou said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Solayao, affectionately known as “Mommy Dea” in her community, began her volunteer journey in 2020 when the pandemic disrupted face-to-face classes. Initially serving as a Gabay Aral tutor, she helped struggling learners bridge gaps in their lessons. Over time, she found her calling as a storyteller, joining the school’s Barangayan para sa Bawat Bata Bumabasa reading program.

Armed only with her voice, and an unwavering belief in the power of stories, Solayao spends hours reading to children after class and in community gatherings.

“Sa ilalim lang po kami ng mga puno ng mangga dati, walang silya, walang blackboard, pero puno ng kagustuhang matuto ang mga bata. Kasi sila po mismo ‘yong gumagawa ng paraan para makasali doon sa ginagawa kong pagtulong,” Mommy Dea said.