Santo Domingo.— President Luis Abinader led the presentation of the 2026 Teacher Merit Medal, an honor with which the Government recognizes the career, commitment, and excellence of teachers who have contributed to the strengthening of Dominican education.
The ceremony was held in the Las Cariátides Hall of the National Palace and brought together authorities from the education sector, government officials, university rectors, and representatives of higher education institutions. During the event, teachers were recognized in the categories of Encouragement, Recognition, and Honor for their outstanding work in the classrooms and their contribution to the education of new generations.
The Minister of Education, Luis Miguel De Camps, highlighted that recognizing teachers is a way to strengthen the present and future of the country. He pointed out that the transformation of the educational system begins with supporting those who make teaching possible every day and affirmed that behind every success story there is a teacher who believed in the potential of their students.
Likewise, he highlighted President Abinader’s commitment to the dignification of the teaching profession and assured that the current administration has promoted policies aimed at strengthening the quality of education and the conditions of those who practice teaching.
For his part, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Rafael Santos Badía, stated that one of the main legacies of President Luis Abinader will be the transformation of Dominican education. He explained that the Government is working on a reform of the educational system and a curricular update to prepare students for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
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Santos Badía also highlighted the professional quality of the awarded teachers and noted that they represent the country’s academic excellence, thanks to their trajectory, experience, and contributions in different areas of knowledge.
The highest recognition, corresponding to the Pedro Henríquez Ureña Honor Award, was granted to teacher Arquímedes Jerez de la Cruz, from Regional 16 of Cotuí. The Eugenio María de Hostos Recognition Award, represented by the Silver Medal, was awarded to teacher Yahaira Constanza Rosario de Hernández, while the Salomé Ureña de Henríquez Incentive Award, with the Bronze Medal, went to teacher Nathalie Elianna García García, from Regional 07 of San Francisco de Macorís.
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In addition, Dominican teachers residing in the United States Fiordaliza Ippolito, Yalisa Garibaldi, and Lisette Parra received special recognition for their contributions to education.
On behalf of the award-winning teachers, Arquímedes Jerez de la Cruz expressed his gratitude for the distinction and stated that the recognition symbolizes the effort of the entire national teaching body. He indicated that education needs permanent support and highlighted the progress achieved in the educational system, including the strengthening of the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), the continuous training of teachers, and the incorporation of robotics and the STEM approach in classrooms.
During the activity, ten professors from higher education institutions were also recognized with the Annual Award for Teaching Excellence, for their outstanding academic trajectory, their contributions to research, and their commitment to the training of professionals.
On behalf of the distinguished higher education faculty, Leyda Mercedes Brea Sención stated that artificial intelligence represents a valuable tool for learning, but maintained that it can never replace the role of the teacher, considering that education also involves shaping values, inspiring, and guiding individuals.
With this award, the Government reaffirms its commitment to the dignification of the teaching profession and to the strengthening of the Dominican educational system, recognizing the essential role that teachers play in the country’s development and in building a society with greater opportunities for future generations.
