The Department of Education (DepEd) lauded the winners of 2013 Search for Outstanding Special Education (SPED) Teachers and SPED Centers.
Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro expressed his deep appreciation to the nominees and winners, “There are lots of good things to say about those made Special Education their advocacy and life’s work, but the most fitting would be: Only those with a great deal of intelligence, fortitude, and love can nurture learners in an atypical setting. This recognition is a small thing compared to all the difference you’ve made for the future generation, the Department of Education and the whole nation thank you.”
The said search was organized by DepEd through the Bureau of Elementary Education (BEE) SPED Division to honor the efforts of the schools, teachers and officials in supporting and delivering the education agenda to children with special needs.
There were seven categories in which nominations have been placed, as dividedaccording to their specialization: autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment, intellectual disability, learning disability, teaching the gifted and talented, and children with special needs. Out of the dozens of nominations received, one candidate per region was selected for the final evaluation process.
The criteria in selecting outstanding SPED teachers were instructional competence, teaching effectiveness, personal qualities and character. Whereas in selecting the best SPED center, learner performance, linkages with stakeholders, classroom accessibility and functionality, management and staff were taken into meticulous consideration.
DepEd officially announced the results of the Search through DepEd Memo no. 21, s. 2014.
The national winners are as follows:
SPED Teachers Teaching Children with Autism:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Mary Joy B. Suganob | 6 | Aklan |
| 2nd | Marilou DR. Mina | 4-A | Cavite City |
| 3rd | Eloida J. Mabiog | 4-B | Marinduque |
SPED Teachers Teaching Children with Hearing Impairment:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Cyril Amoroso Vivo | 5 | Naga City |
| 2nd | Rosebeth Gabay | 1 | San Fernando City |
| 3rd | Jovelyn C. Ampat | 2 | Nueva Vizcaya |
SPED Teachers Teaching Children with Visual Impairment:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Grace G. Obien | 1 | Batac City |
| 2nd | Michelle V. Torres | 9 | Dapitan City |
| 3rd | Airies B. Navales | 6 | Cadiz City |
SPED Teachers Teaching Children with Intellectual Disability:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Mary Gen Devata Mahinay | 6 | Iloilo City |
| 2nd | Rosemary G. Serafica | 5 | Legaspi City |
| 3rd | Feliciano I. Sante | 10 | Malaybalay City |
SPED Teachers Teaching Children with Learning Disability:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Yolanda P. Capistrano | 2 | Nueva Vizcaya |
SPED Teachers Teaching the Gifted & Talented:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Maria Theresa M. Rimando | CAR | Baguio City |
| 2nd | Valerie May B. Belleza | 6 | Iloilo City |
| 3rd | Analiza E. Talattad | 2 | Tuguegarao City |
SPED Teachers Teaching Children with Special Needs:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Myra G. Tumolva | 2 | Nueva Vizcaya |
| 2nd | Nancy B. Dumalili | CAR | Baguio City |
| 3rd | Dexter T. Gonzaga | NCR | Manila |
Outstanding SPED Centers:
| Rank | NAME OF WINNERS | REGION | DIVISION |
| 1st | Baguio City SPED Center | CAR | Baguio City |
| 2nd | La Union SPED Center | 1 | San Fernando City |
| 3rd | Kapianan SPED Center | 2 | Tuguegarao City |
The winners each received cash gifts and plaques of recognition as prizes.