Written by Michelle Ranges (STELA)
Photos courtesy of Dr. Stacy Ayson and Dr. Antonio Mangaliag
The Private Education Retirement Annuity Association (PERAA) continues its tradition of honoring outstanding educators and school leaders through the 2025 The Outstanding PERAA Members (TOPM) awards. This year, two distinguished members of the University of Baguio academic community—Dr. Stacy Haynie B. Ayson, who won First Place as Outstanding PERAA Member 2025 in the Full-Time Teacher category, and Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, who placed Second in the Academic Head category—have been recognized for their remarkable dedication, leadership, and impact on Philippine education.
The search for the 2025 TOPM winners was no small feat. The committee screened more than one hundred nominees from various PERAA member schools across the country. From this pool, only five candidates per category were chosen to advance to the final interview stage. After a thorough evaluation conducted by an independent panel of judges composed of representatives from the education sector, civic organizations, and industry, the top three winners for each category were selected and awarded.
Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts at the University of Baguio, exemplifies respected leadership in education. Previously Principal of the University of Baguio Science High School, he was recognized as the 2022 Most Outstanding Private School Head in the Cordillera Administrative Region by DepEd-CAR. Renowned for his work in pedagogy, curriculum design, and professional learning communities, Dr. Mangaliag has built academic partnerships across Asia and mentored countless teachers as a trainer, accreditor, and visionary leader.
Dr. Stacy Haynie B. Ayson, a professor at the University of Baguio with more than two decades of teaching experience, stands out for her excellence in both scholarship and creativity. She is also a celebrated creative writer, having earned recognition from the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature and the National Committee on Literary Arts. Beyond her academic and literary achievements, Dr. Ayson is deeply engaged in community outreach and literacy advocacy, blending scholarly excellence with creative passion to make English education both globally informed and culturally rooted.
Dr. Stacy Haynie B. Ayson (First Place, Full-Time Teacher) and Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag (Second Place, Academic Head) bring pride to the University of Baguio as PERAA recognizes both their excellence — with UB itself awarded for producing two TOPM winners.
The recognition of Dr. Ayson and Dr. Mangaliag mirrors the aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By advancing Quality Education (SDG 4), they ensure that learning remains inclusive, equitable, and transformative. Their work also contributes to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by expanding opportunities for learners of diverse backgrounds, while their collaborations reinforce Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by linking institutions, communities, and networks in pursuit of shared progress. In their leadership and teaching, the global vision for sustainable development is made tangible in classrooms and communities.
In addition to the individual awards, the University of Baguio was formally recognized by PERAA for producing two TOPM winners in 2025, a distinction that highlights the institution’s consistent commitment to academic excellence and its pivotal role in shaping leaders and educators of national impact.
The achievements of Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag and Dr. Stacy Haynie B. Ayson affirm PERAA’s mission to honor exemplary educators and inspire a culture of service and innovation in private education. Their recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a collective triumph for the University of Baguio and the broader academic community. As PERAA marks another milestone in its annual search for outstanding members, their stories stand as powerful testaments to the transformative role of education in building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
