By Roselle Mitch G. Anas
CPU alumnus Mr. Jethro E. Importado receives Idol Ko Si Titser 2026 award on October 20, 2026, in recognition of his dedication to teaching and his positive impact on the lives of his students.
Central Philippine University (CPU) alumnus Mr. Jethro E. Importado received the Idol Ko Si Titser 2026 award on October 20, 2026, in recognition of his dedication to teaching and his positive impact on the lives of his students.
Importado currently teaches Grade 8 at Jaro National High School. He was nominated by his former student, Pearl Ann Otian, who is currently a second-year education student at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U).
The awarding ceremony was held at Jaro National High School, where Importado received his plaque in the presence of Otian, Principal IV of Jaro National High School Ma’am Melanie J. Tabaculde, and DYRI RMN Iloilo Representatives.
During an interview with DYRI RMN Iloilo following the awarding, Importado emphasized that a teacher’s primary responsibility is to make a positive difference in the lives of students. The main objective of a teacher is to bring and create a positive impact on students’ lives.
“To create change, bring change, and to create a positive impact sa ila,” he said.
Otian, menahwile, recalled her experience as a Grade 10 student and her first encounter with Importado. She expressed gratitude for his detailed explanations and practical advice which helped her prepare and her classmates for their college journey.
In a Facebook post, Importado expressed his gratitude to the people who contributed to his journey as an educator.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be named as the Idol Ko Si Titser 2026 Winner. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a celebration of the people who have been part of my journey as an educator,” he wrote.
“This award reminds me that teaching is more than a profession. It is a mission to touch lives, shape futures, and create positive change,” he added.
In an interview, Dr. Eden P. Gomez, Officer-In-Charge Dean of the College of Education (COEd) and Importado’s former teacher, expressed her pride in seeing Centralians grow and embody the core values instilled in them at CPU COEd.
“I praise and thank the Lord for your life and for making you an instrument of joy, hope, and inspiration to your learners and our aspiring teachers. Your achievement is a source of immense pride for the CPU College of Education and a beautiful testament to our commitment to developing competent, dedicated, compassionate, and faith-grounded educators,” Gomez said.
Gomez also commended Importado’s dedication to his learners, emphasizing that his efforts extend beyond the classroom.
“What makes this recognition even more meaningful is the genuine love you show your learners. The stuffed toys you intentionally win from arcade games to give as rewards, the food you generously share, and the many other thoughtful gestures you extend reflect a heart that goes beyond teaching lessons. These simple yet meaningful acts reveal how God works through you to bring joy to young hearts, nurture their dreams, and remind them that they are valued and loved. Indeed, you teach not only through your words but, more importantly, through your actions,” she added.
Reflecting on the recognition received by one of COEd’s graduates, Gomez shared how fulfilling it was to see Importado embody the values and purpose of the teaching profession.
“As your former teacher, I am truly delighted and proud to see you shine as one of our graduates, embodying the true heart of a teacher—one who inspires, nurtures, serves, and makes a lasting difference in the lives of learners. We celebrate not only this remarkable achievement but also the person and educator you have become. You remind us that the greatest impact of teaching is not measured by recognition alone but by the lives touched, the hope awakened, and the love shared along the way,” Gomez expressed.
In her message to Importado, Gomez cited Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
“Sir Jethro, may your light continue to shine brightly, and may every act of kindness you extend lead others to experience the love and goodness of God. May He continue to bless your calling, strengthen your faith, and use you as His instrument of hope, joy, and inspiration in the lives of every learner entrusted to your care. Madamo guid nga salamat sa imo, Sir Jethro. Padayon sa paghatag sang paglaum sa kabuhi sang aton kabataan! We are proud of you, Sir Jethro—our very own Idol Ko Si Titser 2026!” Gomez concluded.
Importado graduated cum laude from CPU in 2015 with a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree, major in Social Studies. During his time at the university, he received several distictions, including Most Outstanding College Graduate from the Rotary Club of Iloilo; Circle of 5 Awardee from The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA); Regional Finalist in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP); the Dr. And Mrs. Nelson A. Pomado Leadership Award; Most Outstanding CPUR Representative; and a Plaque of Recognition from the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
He was also the first recipient of the Iloilo City government’s Search for “Huwaran nga Anak,” spearheaded by the Iloilo City Task Force on Street Children and the City Social Welfare and Development Office. In 2011, he became a recipient of the Uswag Scholarship through the initiative of Iloilo City First Lady Rosalie Treñas.
The Idol Ko Si Titser is a tribute campaign spearheaded by the RMN Foundation and RMN networks through their Radio Edukasyon Program, in Partnership with the Department of Education, Batobalani Foundation, Aboitiz Power, Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, and Rex Education Foundation. The initiative recognizes exceptional educators across the country for their dedication and contributions to the lives, values, and education of their students.