Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) on its 40th anniversary celebration at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City on February 21, bestowed outstanding educators award to four DepEd school heads nationwide. This include Dr. Estrelita Peña, principal of Francisco Ramos National High School in Zamboanga Sibugay. 
Dr. Peña championed the Department’s Drop-out Reduction Program in Sibugay Division, Zamboanga Peninsula. 
“Metrobank Foundation blazed the trail in giving recognition to exemplary men and women. They are indeed an invaluable partner in the realization of our goal to deliver quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education,” Briones shared, who also received an award on Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) trophy. 
Other teacher-winners of Metrobank Search for Outstanding Teachers—were also conferred with the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) for their sustained outstanding service in the performance of their profession, as well as their substantive contributions to their institution and communities.  
These include Lynn Padillo, Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division in Naga City Division; Jesus Insilada, Principal of Caninguan National High School in Calinog, Iloilo; and Marivi L. Castro, Master Teacher from General Santos City SPED Integrated School. 
“Forty years and hundreds of meaningful collaborations later, hope has not waned; rather it persists with tenacity that the goals we have set will be realized. We look forward to stronger collaboration and broader spaces for multi-sectoral involvement of generations to come,” MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña stated.