By Kristine Aimee Millonte

Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Education (IE) formally recognized students and athletes during the inaugural IE Awarding 2026 held at the University Conference Center last April 21.  

With the theme ‘Where Excellence Becomes Tradition,’ the initiative highlighted the diverse capabilities of IE students to affirm their efforts across various fields.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, IE Student Council president and one of the event’s proponents Lester Jay Cube mentioned that it was designed to recognize varied forms of excellence and to ensure that students feel valued for their efforts. 

“The rationale of this is that we all know that students of IE have really diverse capabilities and different forms of excellence… and these students are really trying their best. We want them to feel that they are valued,” he said. 

The event gathered students, faculty members, and University officials to award students for their academic and extracurricular achievements, including the recognition of athletic achievements in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

For Annie Rose Mercurio, a graduating student-athlete and two-time UAAP track and field champion, the recognition served as the culmination of years of discipline and perseverance.

“It felt very fulfilling and humbling to be recognized, especially now that I’m graduating and have completed my athletics journey here in FEU… It made me reflect on all the hard work, sacrifices, and training I went through,” Mercurio shared.

The athlete, who secured multiple medals across UAAP Seasons 87 and 88 — including gold in the 200-meter run and a record-setting 4x100-meter relay — shared that her final playing year was among the most memorable. Despite dealing with injuries, she still managed to earn bronze medals in both individual and relay events.

“At first, I doubted myself… [but] finishing those races and earning those medals reminded me that I can still push through even when things aren’t perfect,” she added.

Additionally, guest speakers from the institute and alumni community also delivered messages that emphasized purpose and excellence in the teaching profession, encouraging students to embrace growth and trust the process.

Among them, Ronieth Dayao, a known book author and Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences Batch 2025 magna cum laude, reminded students of their inherent worth.

“With you, you are already excellent. So don't try to shrink yourself less than the gift that you are,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cube expressed that the success of the event was not without challenges, mentioning that the preparations were affected by delays in the approval process, which were finalized only days before the event. 

Despite this, he noted that the team was still able to push through as scheduled.

The IE Awarding is expected to become an annual tradition celebrating student excellence and achievement within the institute.

(Photo courtesy of Alyssa Marie Tupaz)