Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program For International Teachers

Grant

Professional Development For Midcareer Teachers - English

Host Institution

University of Rochester

Dharen-Jake R. Garcia has been serving the Department of Education for 13 years, particularly at Cabugao National High School and within the Schools Division of Ilocos Sur. He serves as the school paper adviser of The Western Beat, recognized as one of the top-performing publications in the division under the secondary English category. He is also an active contributor to the Ilocos Sur Education Magazine, the official publication of the division, where he writes stories covering various division and regional events. Garcia was further recognized as one of the writers of the division’s first-ever history book and School-Based Management (SBM) coffee table book.

He is one of the prime movers and implementers of the ARAL Program in the school, a response to the national program aimed at improving students’ reading skills. Beyond journalism, he actively advocates for mental health and LGBTQIA+ awareness through information drives and related initiatives. He also extends his community engagement by participating in aquaculture training programs to support learners and their families, particularly those from coastal communities. He continues to expand his horizons to many possibilities, making his journey more purposeful and relevant.