Jacksonville, Florida played host to a night of recognition on September 5, 2026, as the Florida Chapter of the International Association of Multicultural and Filipino-American Educators, Inc. (IAM FAME) staged its G.A.L.I.N.G. Gala and Awards Night, spotlighting the achievements of Filipino teachers working across American schools.
At the heart of the program were the Ten Outstanding G.A.L.I.N.G. Educators, each recognized for a distinct area of educational excellence. Jose Taguinod Jr. of Duval Charter School was named G.A.L.I.N.G. Educator of the Year. Dionicio A. Pacpaco of Mandarin Middle School received the Global Educator Award, while Christine G. Gunay of Timucuan Elementary School took home the Global Cultural Ambassador Award, both under Duval County Public Schools.
Several honorees were cited for leadership and specialized contributions. Ralph T. Torres of Greenfield Elementary School earned the Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, and Kasandra Lee R. Estrella of Bridgeprep Academy received the Instructional Leadership Award. Dr. Gerald Paolo L. Patrimonio of Linwood Holton Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia was given the Excellence in Educational Research Award, and Crezel R. Concepcion of Sadie Tillis Elementary School was recognized with the Excellence in Educational Technology Award.
Other recipients were acknowledged for service beyond the classroom. Lovelyn Villar of River City Science Academy received the Excellence in Service to Education Award, Salvador B. Quigaman of Lemuel Teal Middle School was honored with the Excellence in Community Engagement Award, and Michael Martin Reyes of Biscayne Elementary School earned the Innovative Educator Award.
The organizers explained that the acronym G.A.L.I.N.G. carries the meaning Global Achievers, Leading Innovation, Nurturing Growth, a phrase meant to capture the drive and reach of Filipino educators shaping schools and communities in the United States. Beyond the trophies, the gathering was framed as a tribute to the personal journeys behind each teacher’s career, marked by sacrifice, resilience, and steady dedication to their students.
Additional honors came through the G.A.L.I.N.G. Special Distinction Awards, which spanned five categories. The Student Empowerment awardees were Noviema Peregrino, Catalina Santos, Romel I. Revesencio, Sheryl Mae Reambonanza, Marian Rose V. Cas, Joselito Leal, and Janice Joy P. Leonardo. Mentoring & Professional Growth recognized Ana Lisa C. Ramos, Freddly Frolles Asuer, and Grace A. Tumamak.
Under Educational Advocacy, the chapter honored Dainalyn Baliscao, Jonica Alcantara, Jovy Murcia, Jeano Mirasol, Radhelyn Bawisan, Leonor D. Saldivar, and Josefine E. de los Reyes. The Inclusive Education category recognized Ruchel C. Ramos, Elizabeth Laulita, Gina Parreno, Vanessa Labastida, Carmelita Rama, Wendy Segovia, Juvy Tacalinar, and Charina Ronquillo. Rounding out the distinctions, the Learner Development & Well-Being awardees were Marisse Versoza, Rosemarie Picana, Marisel Rollinas, Emelyn E. Ador Dionicio, and Carmela Castro.
