Empowering Filipino Educators: EastWest at the 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards

EastWest and JCI Manila with the ten TOGA awardees

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) proudly partnered with Filipino educators as the exclusive bank partner of JCI Manila’s 5th Ten Outstanding Guro Awards (TOGA 2026), honoring teachers whose dedication, creativity, and service continue to shape lives and communities throughout the country.

TOGA 2026 was held at the PHINMA Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati City, recognizing ten exemplary educators whose work reflects the depth of Filipino teaching excellence.

JCI Manila President Edison Ke and EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo during the ceremonial signing of the TOGA sponsorship

Leticia C. Dela Cruz, a Teacher III from Navotas with thirty years of service who continues to advocate for learner rights and student welfare, is one of this year's honorees.

Master Teacher Ryan Capilitan Tura works with Indigenous Peoples' students in a remote multigrade mobile school in Cagayan de Oro, giving them hope despite distance.

Jerrypol Casil Palma, a Senior High STEM teacher in Isabela, has gained national and international recognition for his ground-breaking PATIChem, which is currently utilized in schools all over the nation.

Equally committed educators from all over the nation complete this year's roster: Marie Joy Jacinto of Batac; Maureen Lou A. Aragoza of Vigan; Catalina M. Canasa of Cebu; Kim D. Grapa of Dipolog; Cesar Sucdad Martin of Benguet; Gloperlyn de Guzman Chavez of Bataan; and Ma. Cristina G. Bagas of Muntinlupa—all acknowledged for their dedication to improving education and having a significant impact on their local communities.

“Teachers are nation builders. In many ways, the future of our country is shaped every day in our classrooms, through educators who choose to serve with purpose,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “At EastWest, we believe that recognizing and supporting educators is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen families, communities, and ultimately, the future of the Philippines.”

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo and EastWest Rural Bank President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado congratulate the teacher-awardees

Beyond acknowledgment, EastWest promotes financial literacy as a means of empowering educators. GuroWAIS, a financial education program designed specifically for Filipino educators, was introduced by EastWest Rural Bank in 2025. With sessions held in collaboration with JCI Manila and regional DepEd offices, GuroWAIS has already reached hundreds of teachers nationwide, covering useful subjects like income, savings, budgeting, and long-term planning.

“With GuroWAIS, we can help teachers build more confidence to manage today and prepare for tomorrow. And when they gain that confidence, the benefit goes beyond one person. It can

reach their families, their students, and the communities they serve,” Ngo added.

Through TOGA and GuroWAIS, EastWest continues to champion educators, promote financial

literacy, and invest in programs that strengthen communities.