LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA) -- A Bicolano teacher from Mariroc High School in Tabaco City, Albay was hailed as the 2022 Brightest STAR in Mathematics for his exceptional dedication and integration of the STAR Program training in his teaching.

Rigor B Bueno has been a Math teacher for 13 years, and was chosen as the winner among 78 nominees and three shortlisted contenders.

The Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) is a training program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that capacitates teachers to ensure a holistic approach in developing science education in the country. Teachers with exemplary performance were honored during the Search for the Brightest STAR recognition program

Bueno said the Project STAR became an “avenue to improve his teaching strategies” ​especially for students with the most minor mastery of the subject.

“It helped me to accurately integrate math topics to other disciplines in order to facilitate the teaching-learning process,” he said.

The Brightest STAR award is given to exemplary Science and Mathematics teachers who have been effectively integrating their STAR training in their teaching practice, and aim to cultivate a culture of innovation among teachers.

Regional finalist in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers

Bueno was also part of the shortlisted nominees to the 2022 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).

He recounted an unforgettable outreach activity when he was seven years old which inspired him to choose children as beneficiaries for the outreach programs he initiated.

“Alam ko ang pakiramdaman ng mga batang napapasaya sa ganoong proyekto. Tumatatak. Ito ang inspiration ko kun bakit madalas mga bata ang aking benepesyaryo sa aking mga initiated programs. Nakakataba ng puso makitang masaya ang mga bata, (“I know the feeling of children who were made happy because of those projects. It is my inspiration why the children are often the beneficiaries in my initiated programs.  Its heartwarming to see the children happy”),” he said.

During his first year of College in 2006, Bueno said the relief operation for families devasted by typhoon Reming which also benefitted and sustained his family, also moved and inspired him to  reach out to those in need.

"It was the time, I saw and felt that there are so many good people who are so willing to lend a hand. I was so moved and inspired by them. I told myself that once I had the capacity to do the same, I will never hesitate to extend my help to the best that I could,” he said.

Greatest accomplishment as a volunteer

From one man, the inspiration to reach out to others was passed on to other schools, organization and private individuals.

“My greatest accomplishment as a volunteer is to inspire others to do the same,” he said.

Bueno cited that the projects he initiated particularly the PROJECT MTAP – MATHao nin Tabang Asin Pag-Asa, SPONSOR A LEARNER PROJECT: Handog Gamit Pang-Eswkela, Hatid ay Saya at Pag-Asa; and the Annual Gift-Giving Activity to Children which were also replicated by others.

Indeed, a small act of volunteerism makes a difference.

The SOV aims to identify and recognize outstanding Filipino volunteers and volunteer organizations for their exemplary performance and achievements in empowering communities and promoting volunteerism as a way of life, contributing to nation-building. (PIA5/Albay)