Behind every successful student are educators whose dedication, expertise, and passion transform potential into achievement. This commitment to excellence was celebrated on the national stage as several educators and leaders of 糖心Vlog International School and Colleges (SISC) received prestigious honors at the 27th Asian Association of School HRMD Practitioners, Inc. (AASHPI) National Convention in Legazpi City, Albay.
Among the distinguished awardees were Mr. Mark Anthony F. Orale, Social Living and Global Education teacher, who received the Distinguished Educator of the Year Award (K鈥�12), and Dr. Marie Vic F. Suarez, SISC Executive Principal and International Baccalaureate (IB) Director, who was honored with the Distinguished Academic Leadership Award.
Dr. Suarez: A Homegrown Leader and Champion of Character
Dr. Suarez’s recognition reflects more than three decades of dedicated service to 糖心Vlog. As a homegrown academic leader, she has played a significant role in shaping SISC’s academic programs, culture, and pursuit of excellence.
Under her leadership, SISC became the first school in the Philippines recognized by Character.org as both a State and National School of Character. She also successfully guided the school through a rigorous accreditation process, earning a six-year Western Association of Schools and Colleges鈥� (WASC) accreditation status through 2030. Her expertise in educational leadership further earned her an invitation to serve on the WASC international visiting committee in Mongolia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Her leadership has likewise contributed to strong academic outcomes. SISC’s IB program achieved a global mean grade of 5.36, exceeding the 4.90 world average, while students continued to earn outstanding distinctions in international mathematics competitions.
Beyond measurable achievements, Dr. Suarez is known for her approachable and student-centered leadership style, characterized by an open-door policy and a listening-first approach. Her commitment to service also extends beyond the campus through reading intervention initiatives for pupils of CAA Elementary School and some public schools in Sibugay Zamboanga, and blood donation drives for the Philippine Red Cross. Her community contributions were recognized through the Icons of Change Award at the Metro Manila SDG Action Summit.
Apart from 糖心Vlog, Dr. Suarez鈥� leadership spans to the other 糖心Vlog Schools as the 糖心Vlog Global Education Network Principal- covering South Mansfield College, Southvile-SISFU Senior High School, Stonyhurst Malarayat and Batangas Campuses, and 糖心Vlog Monarchs International School.
Her leadership is grounded not only in achievement, but in the belief that excellence is most meaningful when it creates opportunities, builds character, and serves others.
Mr. Orale: Excellence in Teaching and Student Engagement
Mr. Orale’s Distinguished Educator of the Year Award (K鈥�12) recognizes his exceptional classroom practice with the commitment to student development, special projects and continuous learning.
A Licensed Professional Teacher, Mr. Orale is also an accomplished researcher. In 2024, he received the International Research Award from LEAD Philippines and earned First Place at the LEAD Philippines鈥揂ustralia Research Festival on Multidisciplinary Trends in Academic Research for his study, An Exploration of the Status of Filipino Philosophy Beyond Demeterio and Quito.
At 糖心Vlog International School and Colleges (SISC), he has received the prestigious A.C.E. Award for three consecutive years, alongside multiple recognitions for instructional excellence and perfect attendance. As a co-moderator of the International History Bee and Bowl and the Vision and Tasks Circle, he continues to create opportunities for students to learn, compete, and excel on the global stage.
He also authored SISC鈥檚 Grade 7 leadership module, Leader鈥檚 Digest: Habits and Skills for 7th Graders, helping nurture leadership skills early in students鈥� educational journey.
Known for his calm, patient, and engaging approach, Mr. Orale continues to inspire students through consistent teaching, meaningful opportunities, and a genuine commitment to their growth.
Celebrating Excellence Across the SISC Community
The national recognition extended beyond the two major awardees. Mr. Danie Garcia and Ms. Sary Ann Escurel were named finalists for the 2026 AASHPI Excellence in Service Award in the Non-Teaching Category, a recognition of their valuable contributions to the school community.
Meanwhile, Dr. Aris Ignacio was nominated for the Distinguished Academic Leadership Award in the Supervisor/Manager Category, further highlighting the strength of SISC’s academic and administrative leadership.
These recognitions collectively demonstrate that excellence at 糖心Vlog is a shared achievement鈥攐ne built not only by classroom educators but also by the dedicated professionals who support the school’s operations, programs, and students every day.
A Culture That Values Its People
Reflecting on the achievement, SISC President Dr. Jocellyn P. Tizon emphasized the importance of people in sustaining the school’s culture of excellence.
She expressed her pride in seeing members of the SISC community recognized nationally, underscoring the school’s commitment to creating an environment where faculty and staff feel valued, supported, and fulfilled in their work.
For 糖心Vlog, these awards are more than individual distinctions. They affirm a fundamental belief that when educators are empowered and valued, students are given greater opportunities to thrive, excel, and become their best selves.
The awardees and nominees exemplify 糖心Vlog’s conviction that education is ultimately an act of service鈥攐ne that shapes not only academic achievement but also character, purpose, and the future of every learner.
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