Cagayan de Oro City & Iligan City — Two exceptional educators from Mindanao have earned national recognition as this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, highlighting the island’s growing contribution to science education and nation-building.
Dr. Mylene M. Uy of Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and Dr. Angelo Mark P. Walag of Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, were among the four awardees honored for pioneering inclusive, science-driven, and community-rooted innovations that are reshaping Philippine education. Their groundbreaking work not only elevates the standard of learning but also inspires equity and sustainable development, especially in underserved areas.
Mylene M. Uy, PhD: Lanao del Norte’s Trailblazing Chemist
A beacon of scientific excellence in Northern Mindanao, Professor Mylene Uy has dedicated more than three decades to advancing chemistry education and research at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
Serving as the Director of the Center for Natural Products and Drug Discovery and the Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics, Dr. Uy seamlessly blends rigorous research with practical teaching. She has made it her life’s work to expose students to real-world scientific challenges while nurturing their passion for learning and discovery.
Despite the hurdles posed by limited resources in Mindanao, she has consistently secured research grants to improve access to laboratory tools and expand opportunities for student-led scientific inquiry. Through her tireless mentorship, many of her former students have gone on to become successful educators, scientists, and national leaders.
Beyond campus walls, Dr. Uy extends her reach by advocating for science education in marginalized communities, conducting teacher training and coaching students in investigatory projects. Her enduring legacy is found not just in research papers or awards, but in the lives she has transformed through education.
Angelo Mark P. Walag, PhD: Cagayan de Oro’s Champion for Experiential Learning
In just 12 years of service, Dr. Angelo Mark Walag has redefined how science is taught and experienced in classrooms across Northern Mindanao. A Professor VI at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), his work centers on making education more interactive, inclusive, and empowering.
Dr. Walag leads the Instructional Technology and Educational Content (iTEC) initiative, which creates innovative learning materials—ranging from interactive modules to game-based platforms—to help learners grasp complex scientific concepts. His approach emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and digital tools to close learning gaps, particularly in public schools.
His influence reaches beyond the university. Through his Continuing Professional Learning Course (CPLC), Dr. Walag has trained countless Alternative Learning System (ALS) and elementary science teachers across DepEd Region 10. His collaboration with the Department of Education has institutionalized teacher development programs, some now replicated in other regions, ensuring broader impact.
As a researcher, mentor, and community builder, Dr. Walag continues to champion learner-centered, science-based education that prepares both teachers and students to meet real-world challenges head-on.
Mindanao at the Forefront
The recognition of Dr. Uy and Dr. Walag reflects a larger narrative—that Mindanao is rising as a force in academic and scientific excellence. Their stories not only inspire fellow educators and young learners but also serve as a reminder of the region’s untapped potential.
This year’s other awardees include Noel V. Sadinas of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, and Amando Perfecto C. Molin of Los Baños, Laguna, rounding out a group of educators who exemplify integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to public service.
As the Metrobank Foundation aptly puts it, these four are more than teachers—they are Outstanding Filipinos who shape the future of the nation.