The Metrobank Foundation and Department of Education (DepEd) launch the 2005 Search for Outstanding Teachers and the Metrobank – MTAP- DepEd Math Challenge with the signing of memoranda of agreement (MOA) at the DepEd Office in Pasig City.

Now on its 21 st year, the Search for Outstanding Teachers honors the exemplary dedication and competence of mentors who best serve as models of excellence. The search is open to all full-time Filipino elementary, high school and college teachers in public and private schools who have been actively teaching in the country for the last 10 years.

Ten winners will be selected, four from the elementary, four from high school and two from the higher education level. Each awardee will receive a trophy, gold medal and cash prize of P200, 000.

On the other hand, the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge is a contest fro elementary and high school students intended to heighten the interest in Mathematics among the young and help improve the quality of Math education in the country. The competition is a joint project of the Metrobank Foundation, the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), and DepEd. The competition was expanded in 2001 to- include all public and private elementary schools all over the country. Starting 2003, the Math Challenged has also included high school students in public and private schools nationwide.

Participants in the individual and team categories who will hurdle the regional finals will compete in the national finals on April 9, 2005 to be followed by the awarding ceremonies at the Metrobank Plaza in Makati City. Winners in the regional final will receive medals, trophies and cash prizes from the Metrobank Foundation.

Deadline for submission of nomination forms for the Search is on February 14, 2005. Nomination forms will be available at the Metrobank Foundation Office, all Metrobank and PSBank branches, DepEd and CHED regional and division offices and selected schools nationwide by December 2004. Nomination forms may also be submitted through email at idlabitad@mbfoundation.org.ph or foundation@metrobank.com.ph.

For inquiries, please contact Metrobabnk-Calbayog Brach at tel. nos. 209-1951 or 209-1952 or visit www.mbfoundation.org.ph