The University of Antique proudly shares that Instructor I, 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨 𝐀. 𝐏𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐈𝐈, has been recognized 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 by Saceda Youth Lead (SYL).

This national recognition, awarded to ten exceptional educators across the country this year, is not merely about academic achievements—it honors teachers whose lives reflect moral leadership, community service, and compassion. Out of over 100 nominations received this year, only ten were selected after a rigorous multi-round screening process that assessed their achievements, roles, organizational affiliations and included a thorough background check.

Mr. Pimentel is the first educator from the Province of Antique to receive this distinction since the award’s inception in 2013. As part of this recognition, he will also be conferred the honorary title Profesor Ad Honorem and Vitasta Ambassador of Distinction by Université Henry Dunant, a partner of SYL. The official awarding will take place this September 4–6, 2025, in Dumaguete City.

“To be recognized nationally is an honor, but to serve and inspire my students every day—that, to me, is the true reward,” he stated, highlighting how he sees real fulfillment from making a positive impact to the lives of his students.

Before becoming a full-time educator, Mr. Pimentel left a successful global HR career to serve as a Christian missionary in Northeast Cambodia. He returned to the Philippines in 2020 at the height of the pandemic and has since been serving communities in Antique alongside his wife and fellow colleague at the University of Antique, Ma. Salvacion Gonzaga Pimentel. Through grassroots ministries, Bible studies, mentoring, and values formation, they continue to impact lives beyond the classroom.

The award also highlights how service, not position, defines real impact. His co-awardees for 2025 include university presidents, such as Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro of Cavite State University and Dr. Nasser A. Salain of Basilan State College — but the common thread among them is not position or prestige, but the power of purpose and impact.

You can read the full coverage from national news outlets, as well as the organization’s official website, through the links provided below.