Jonnel Garcia is a passionate Filipino public school teacher and community volunteer in Ras Al Khaimah. SUPPLIED

Jonnel Garcia, a Filipino public school teacher in Ras Al Khaimah, has been named Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino sa UAE 2024, an award recognizing outstanding Filipino workers in the UAE. Garcia emerged as the winner from a pool of 10 finalists, taking home nearly Dh24,000 in cash and gifts from Pinas Cargo and other sponsors. The award ceremony took place in Dubai on October 7, in the presence of Pinas Cargo CEO Marlyn Castro and Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver. Speaking to Expat Media, Garcia said his journey to becoming an award-winning teacher is one of determination and resilience. After teaching for a decade in the Philippines where he also coached future national athletes, he moved to the UAE seven years ago, seeking a better future for his family in Nueva Ecija. “I decided to work abroad after my father passed away. I was 30 years old then. Our house was in such poor condition that rainwater would seep in. I made a promise to myself that I would do everything to give my family a decent home,” Garcia recalled, holding back tears. The eldest of four children, Garcia said he vowed to become the best breadwinner of the family. Moving to the UAE in 2017 gave him a fresh start. With his track record as a public school teacher in the Philippines, Garcia was quickly able to join the teaching force of a British school, before moving to a Filipino school in Dubai, where he eventually met his wife, further rooting his life in the emirates. He later moved to Ras Al Khaimah to work as a teacher for another British school there before he landed a job as a teacher for a public school in the emirate in 2022. His work in the UAE has been impactful. “I am proud to be among the Filipino teachers in the UAE, showcasing our talent and skills to Emirati students,” said Garcia, who teaches English, Math and Science to Grade 2 students. “I am so blessed to be given this opportunity to serve in the UAE,” Garcia told Expat Media, adding that the UAE has become his beloved second home with his wife and their 1-year-old baby girl. He also lives in the emirate with his mother and his younger sister. Garcia continues to shine in his role and has been nominated for the Outstanding Teacher Award, organized by the Filipino Teachers in the UAE through the National Organization of Professional Teachers Inc.-Filipino International Teachers Society (NOPTI-FITS UAE). He has been nominated in the Most Inspiring Educator category as well as in the Best Mentor category. Beyond his profession, Garcia is passionate about community service. He volunteers at the local church during major events, participates in tree planting campaigns, and has even taken part in beach clean-ups. “Volunteering is something I love to do. I’ve helped distribute iftar meals during Ramadan, volunteered at Expo 2020 Dubai and served as a proctor during the Special Professional Licensure Examination in Dubai,” he shared. His latest endeavor involves educating students and parents about the benefits of malunggay (moringa), a highly nutritious plant. “I suggested planting 100 moringa trees at our school to promote health and wellness,” he said, highlighting his desire to give back to the community. Garcia has been appointed as the Head of Sustainability as well as the Head of Happiness and Wellbeing at his public school. “I feel blessed to be able to use my influence, passion and skills to help people, and I am happy for the recognition of my work. This journey is just the start of a better platform for community service,” he said. Following his latest win as Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino sa UAE, Garcia said he is looking forward to availing of one of the dozen rewards he received: traveling to Baku, Azerbaijan for a family trip that has been a long-time dream, and a much-deserved break for this hardworking Filipino teacher. PIA/Expat Media
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