“I had no other ambition but to become a teacher” – Dr. Rosita G. Santos

The fourth child in a brood of nine, Rosita de Guzman – Santos, PhD had always wanted to be a teacher. Despite her busy schedule as wife to Hepty Santos, mother to Rommel and Junjun, grandmother to two boys ages 8 and 12 and Senior Research Consultant at the Lyceum of the Philippines to name a few of her commitments, Dr. Santos granted 1Bataan the pleasure of getting a glimpse at her successful professional life.

Last June 18, at the Manila Hotel, a Bataeña, a Samaleña to be exact received the 2015 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Teaching award, the highest award bestowed by the Professional Regulation Commission. When asked how she felt when she learned about the award, she said her very first reaction was, she was humbled. Recovering from the initial reaction, she was overwhelmed with gratitude to her Maker, to her family, to her colleagues and all the significant people she has encountered and in one way or another contributed to her receiving such a prestigious award. Now, she gives back all the praises and glory to the Lord.

Growing up in a middle-class family in Calaguiman in the town of Samal Dr. Santos was raised by her parents Isaac and Catalina in the traditional Filipino way, always putting God and then family above all else. When asked how she ended up in the academe, Dr. Santos quickly replied: “I had no other ambition but to become a teacher because I have always wanted to follow the steps of the greatest teacher, our Lord Jesus Christ”.

After finishing 6th grade at the Calaguiman Elementary School, she took her secondary course at the Mapua Institute of Technology. At that time, her brother, Consul Eduardo de Guzman was starting to chart his business career in Manila and he was the one who supported her and their other siblings especially in their studies.

From Mapua, she went to Centro Escolar University, where she obtained the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education major in Mathematics minor in Science; her Master of Science in Education – Mathematics and finally her Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. It is also in this prestigious Institution that she started her sterling career in the academe where she started as a high school classroom teacher, handling Mathematics and Science subjects.

Her diligence, hard work, intelligence, positive attitude and strong faith in God paid off for she practically rose from the ranks and became CEU Sr. Assistant Vice President for Research and Evaluation, the position she held until 2010, already beyond her retirement in 2006. In 2010, she accepted the Sr. Research Consultant post at the Lyceum of the Philippines.

A prolific writer, researcher, lecturer and speaker, Dr. Santos has authored several books in Mathematics, Statistics and Evaluation and a recipient of numerous awards from prestigious award giving bodies, most notable is her Lifetime Outstanding Achievement Award from the Philippine Society for Research and Evaluation.

Another meaningful distinction up her sleeve, Dr. Santos is the first Chair holder of the Consul Eduardo L. de Guzman Professorial Chair for Social Responsibility and Good Governance.

When asked how meaningful to her this most recent award bestowed by the PRC, she had this say: “I was really humbled by this award and at the same time, really happy and fulfilled for I wasn’t just randomly chosen but purposely chosen by peers, experts and respected people in this field”.

Although she has been away from Bataan for decades now, except for occasional visits on family gatherings, she has always been proud of her province and hometown. When she was still active in the classroom, she said she would always ask her students, “sino sa inyo ang taga Bataan?” and then she would proudly claim that she is also from Bataan.

On her chosen profession of which she is very passionate about, whenever she hears people boasting of successful doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professions, she would always quip: “ eh kung walang teacher, pano na?” Ever since she has always regarded teaching as the noblest among the professions.

All throughout the interview, Dr. Santos would always mention the words “sharing”, “growth”, and “development. Her evangelical family upbringing and career exposure developed in her a firm belief in the tenet that without sharing, there could be no growth, no development.

As a parting shot, she left me two foods for thought that inspired me: One, there is always a place at the top; second: Professionals stand tall to be the voice of culture, as leaders, integrators, and guardians.

Congratulations Dr. Rosita de Guzman-Santos! Thank you for once again making us proud Bataeños!!!