In a heartwarming display of excellence and compassion to education, Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President of the Philippine Normal University (PNU), was given the Gawad Banyuhay para sa Karunungan (Tatang Felix Garcia Teacher of the Year) Award in 2022 by the esteemed Dr. Carl E. Balita Foundation. As part of this recognition, Dr. Tuga received a trophy and a prize of P 50,000 worth of food products from Mekeni Food Corp. for a chosen beneficiary.

To express his gratitude and ensure the impact of this recognition beyond his personal accomplishments, Dr. Tuga, having been personally involved in selecting the beneficiaries of the food products, organized a food distribution and feeding program at the Abelling Aeta Community and at Sta. Cruz Elementary School, Sitio Sta. Cruz, Brgy. Iba, San Jose, Tarlac on June 1, 2023. The said activity was supervised by the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences (FBESS) and Dr. Carl Balita Foundation.

Under the guidance of Dr. Rodel Valdez, Head Teacher III of Sta. Cruz Elementary School, a total of 100 students from Sta. Cruz Elementary School were provided with nutritious lunch. Additionally, 100 families from the Abelling Aeta Community and Sitio Sta. Cruz received food packs from Mekeni.

Leading the feeding program and food pack distribution were Dr. Zyralie L. Bedural, Associate Dean of PNU’s Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences (FBESS) and Dr. Nikolee Marie Serfico-Reyes, FBESS Extension Coordinator. The PNU team also included Mr. Ernest Dave A. Tenorio from the Office of the President. Valuable assistance was also provided by the personnel from the Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC) led by its Tarlac Branch Manager Ms. Roxell Lugtu, together with its staff Ms. Christine Yamson and Ms. Liezel De Leo, as well as its staff from the Angeles City Branch, Ms. Kaue Ann Sales and Ms. Phoebe Love Caporal. Their collaborative efforts ensured the smooth execution of the event, bringing smiles and nourishment to those in attendance.

The event exemplified the power of collective action and the positive impact that educational institutions and private sector can extend to marginalized communities. It also highlighted the commitment of PNU and the Dr. Carl Balita Foundation to the betterment of community, particularly in promoting the welfare of students and families in need.