A Filipino teacher working thousands of kilometers from home has been awarded one of Uzbekistan’s highest state distinctions, marking a rare moment of national recognition for a foreign educator serving within the country’s public education system.
Reynante Sangguyo Bunuan, an English Language Specialist under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MOPSE), was conferred the State Honour Medal of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 20, 2025. He was also formally recognized as an Outstanding Filipino in the country during a national awarding ceremony held in Tashkent.
The honor was presented at the Jadidlar izidan Respublika bosqichi g‘oliblarini taqdirlash marosimi at the Ma’rifat Markazi Simpoziumlar Saroyi along Navoiy Street, with Her Excellency Ezzozkhon Karimova, Minister of Preschool and School Education, leading the ceremony. The recognition cited Bunuan’s sustained contributions to the development of English language education and institutional support systems within the ministry.
“Today is a momentous event in my life as a leader and teacher,” Bunuan shared with TGFM. “I am in awe and in high heavens being the recepient of this prestigious State Honour Medal in recognition of my remarkable contributions in the educational system here in Uzbekistan.”
Bunuan’s work in the country spans more than three years and goes beyond classroom instruction. As part of the English Language Teaching program, he has been involved in curriculum development, teacher capacity-building, research initiatives, and cross-cultural coordination among foreign educators working in Uzbek public schools.
“Teaching overseas entails a real deal of resilience, hardwork and creativity,” he said. “More than the required competence in my craft, I try to be always consistent and extra mindful of my values and in demonstrating excellence, quality and productivity in my workplace.”
His first assignment in Uzbekistan placed him at Maktab 207, where he said the support he received from school leadership and colleagues shaped his early experience in the country. “The warm welcome coupled with the highest gestures of respect accorded to me by my School Director, the local teachers and my students gave me a great, impressive headstart,” he said.
Bunuan later took on wider leadership responsibilities within MOPSE, eventually becoming the recognized leader and representative of Filipino teachers deployed across different regions of Uzbekistan. In that capacity, he helped raise workplace concerns, coordinated welfare-related initiatives, and worked closely with ministry officials to strengthen professional standards among foreign educators.
“So when the Head of the English Language and Foreign Languages Program announced that I will be the recipient of the State Honour Medal from the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I felt joyful that my years of selfless service in the ministry had been recognised,” he said. “It was a tough journey though but this taste of recognition is sweet and fulfilling.”
Among his notable contributions was his involvement in designing early instructional frameworks for the ELT program during its formative stage. As part of the pioneer cohort, Bunuan helped draft schemes of work to align daily lessons with national curriculum goals while supporting foreign teachers adapting to the local education system.
“When the program was launched, the challenge was not more on dealing with our learners who thirst for elevating their language level and proficiency but more on the designing the curriculum that will address the needs and interests of our students,” he said.
His expertise also led colleagues from South Africa, India, Canada, the United States, Algeria, and the Philippines to seek his guidance on professional development sessions and instructional resources. Beyond policy and training, Bunuan contributed to academic journals and school newsletters aimed at strengthening English language instruction nationwide.
In his acceptance remarks, Bunuan acknowledged the institutional support behind his work. “This has been made possible because of people who have trusted, suppprted and guided me along,” he said, thanking officials and staff of the ministry’s ELT Program and Human Resources Department by name. He also credited his Filipino colleagues across Uzbekistan for sustaining professional standards that earned trust from the host country’s education sector.
“I also share this joyous moment to the entire Filipino ELTeachers under the MoPSE,” he said. “You have been the reason why we work this hard, because you keep giving your best to those who were entrusted to your care.”
Bunuan traces his grounding to his upbringing in Barangay Taribubu, Tuao, Cagayan Valley, where he was raised with strong family values and a deep sense of responsibility. The youngest of nine siblings and the family’s breadwinner after the passing of both parents, he said his background shaped both his leadership style and professional discipline.
“Life could have been entirely different had it not been of the strong values and traditions that I have imbibed since childhood,” he said.
Addressing fellow Filipinos, particularly overseas workers and young educators, Bunuan emphasized humility and perseverance. “I may be considered as a role model and inspiration for those I was able to serve, but I am still the same simple classroom teacher whose desire is to do my noble share of shaping young minds and trasnforming lives,” he said.
He added, “And lastly, to the young educators who dream to work abroad – keep pursuing your dreams no matter what it takes. And when people doubt your capacity, do not allow them to distract your focus and define your worth.”
