A Filipino academic leader based in the UAE has been recognized on an international stage after receiving a major award during the recently concluded 35th World Education Summit in Dubai.
Dr. Christopher Eugenio Macabuhay, who currently serves as Head of Department for Business and Humanities at American Gulf School in Sharjah, was named recipient of the Education Leadership Impact Award during the summit held on February 4–5, 2026.
In an interview with TGFM, Macabuhay said the recognition was presented to education leaders whose work has contributed to academic excellence, innovation, and institutional transformation within their respective communities.
Macabuhay, who represented the Philippines at the event, described the milestone as a reflection of the competence and leadership of Filipino educators working overseas.
“As a Filipino serving as Head of Department – Business and Humanities at American Gulf School in Sharjah, UAE, this recognition reflects not only personal achievement but also the global competence, dedication, and leadership of Filipino educators working abroad,” he said.
The World Education Summit is a global platform that gathers educators, policymakers, and academic leaders to discuss developments shaping education worldwide, including innovation, digital transformation, and leadership strategies.
Macabuhay shared that he has spent 17 years working overseas—three years in Oman and 14 years in the UAE—after building a long career in both the education sector and the banking and finance industry in the Philippines.
He said he has more than 32 years of experience in technical and graduate education, alongside 15 years of industry experience in banking, management, and finance, having worked with various banks in the Philippines before transitioning into academic leadership.
Macabuhay also holds three earned doctoral degrees: Doctor of Business Administration (Distinction), Doctor of Public Administration, and Doctor of Education.
Prior to working abroad, he served as Dean of Graduate Studies and Director for Research at Central Colleges of the Philippines. He also worked as a part-time professorial lecturer in several institutions, including San Beda University Graduate School, Jose Rizal University Graduate School, PSBA Manila and Q.C. Graduate School, EARIST Graduate School, Pasig Catholic College, and Letran College.
He also held leadership roles within the Philippine Association of Graduate Education – NCR, serving two terms as a member of the board of directors.
In Oman, Macabuhay previously served as Head of Business at Ibri College under the Ministry of Manpower and was recognized as recipient of the 2009–2010 excellence in teaching award.
In the UAE, he said he has also been involved in graduate-level teaching, serving as guest faculty for the MBA program of Westford School of Management.
Macabuhay also worked as an accreditor under the BTEC, TAFE, and NQC programs of AIT in Fujairah and Al Ain for nearly 13 years.
He currently leads IB Business and Psychology at American Gulf School as its pioneering Head of Department, overseeing curriculum implementation and academic performance systems.
Throughout his career, Macabuhay said his work has been focused on developing “future ready learners” through values-driven instruction, leadership training, and business education.
He added that his experience spans both secondary and tertiary education, and includes curriculum development, IB programme implementation, and teacher mentoring.
When asked how he felt about receiving the award, Macabuhay said the recognition carried both personal and professional meaning, especially given the scale of global participation.
“I felt deeply honored, humbled, and grateful. Receiving the Education Leadership Impact Award during the 35th World Education Summit was both a personal and professional milestone being selected from among 33,000 educators from around the world,” he said.
He emphasized that the recognition was not solely about individual achievement, but also about the collective support of the people he has worked with throughout his journey.
“It was not just a recognition of my individual efforts but a reflection of the collective dedication of my colleagues, students and mentors who have been part of my journey,” he said.
Macabuhay said he believes the award was largely driven by his sustained work in academic leadership and institutional development, particularly in strengthening systems that support long-term excellence.
“I believe the recognition stemmed from my sustained commitment to academic leadership, curriculum innovation, capacity building, bridging the academe and the industry,” he said.
He explained that his leadership priorities have included strengthening IB programme delivery, mentoring teachers in instructional leadership, promoting research-based teaching strategies, developing assessment systems aligned with international standards, and supporting student achievement in Business and Psychology.
“My goal has always been to build systems that outlast individuals , creating sustainable academic excellence rather than short-term success,” he added.
As Head of Department at American Gulf School, Macabuhay said his responsibilities include leading the Business and Psychology faculty and overseeing academic planning, instructional quality, staff development, and student performance monitoring.
He also cited key duties such as programme alignment with international standards, teacher coaching and performance development, assessment design, examination frameworks, quality assurance, accreditation readiness, and guiding students through academic and career pathways.
Beyond administrative responsibilities, he described his leadership style as centered on mentoring and building a collaborative working culture.
“Beyond administration, I see my role as that of a mentor-leader, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement,” he said.
Macabuhay said one of the most meaningful moments of the summit was the chance to engage with education leaders from different parts of the world and exchange perspectives on innovation and best practices.
“The highlight of the 35th World Education Summit was the opportunity to connect with visionary educators and leaders from across the globe. The exchange of ideas, best practices, and innovations in education was truly inspiring,” he said.
He also said being recognized as a Filipino educator during a global event carried a deeper significance beyond the award itself.
“Equally meaningful was seeing a Filipino educator being recognized on an international platform. It was a proud moment not just personally but for our entire professional community,” he added.
In his message to fellow Filipino educators working abroad, Macabuhay encouraged them to continue carrying out their roles with integrity and excellence, while remaining rooted in Filipino values.
“To my fellow Filipino educators working overseas: continue to lead with excellence, humility, and integrity,” he said.
He also pointed to resilience, adaptability, and compassion for learners as strengths that Filipino professionals bring into the global workforce.
“Our strength as Filipino professionals lies in our resilience, adaptability, and genuine care for learners. Wherever we are in the world, we carry not only our qualifications but our values and our culture,” he said.
Macabuhay urged Filipino educators to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional solidarity, emphasizing that recognition is secondary to daily impact.
“Let us continue to: Elevate the standards of education, Support one another professionally, Invest in lifelong learning, Represent the Philippines with dignity and competence,” he said.
“Recognition may come but our true impact lies in the lives we transform every day.”
