PH Consulate’s “Women In Education” Forum Spotlights on the Inspiring Filipina American Educators
From left to right: Vice Consul Hannah V. Go, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Ms. Willie Santamaria, Dr. Maria Ortuoste, Acting Head of Post Maria Paz G. Cortes, Ms. Chrizia Marie Dela Rosa, Dr. Gigi Carunungan, and Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros during the awarding of certificate of appreciation (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco hosted its annual National Women’s Months forum titled “Women in Education: A Forum with Inspiring Filipina American Educators” held at the Sentro Rizal, Philippine Center in San Francisco on 11 March 2026.
The forum’s esteemed panelists of Filipina American educators included Dr. Maria Ortouste, Professor of Political Science at the California State University East Bay; Dr. Gigi Carunungan, CEO & Chief Learning Architect of MathXplorers; Ms. Willie Santamaria, Educational Consultant on Leadership Curriculum Development and Instruction at the California State University; and Ms. Chrizia Marie dela Rosa, awardee of the 2026 California Teacher of the Year, and a Math Leadership Instructor at Piedmont Hills High School. The forum is a continuation of Post’s National Women’s Month forum series, following the “Women in Tech” in 2021, “Women in Health” in 2022, “Women in Government” in 2023, “Women and Philippine Culture” in 2024, and “Women in Law” in 2025.
(Left photo) Ms. Willie Santamaria, sharing her experiences as a teacher and principal with Vice Consul Hannah Go, who moderated the forum. (Right photo) Dr. Maria Ortuoste sharing how she realized the need to “code-switch” and adapt to a more interactive learning environment when she began teaching in the US, as the other panelists Ms. Willie Santamaria, Ms. Crizia Marie Dela Rosa, and Dr. Gigi Carunungan listen intently.(San Francisco PCG photo)
In line with this year’s theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, Acting Head of Post Maria Paz G. Cortes, in her welcome remarks, highlighted that women’s leadership is a fundamental part of Filipino identity – just as in the time of the revered Babaylans, when women held influence and authority. She likewise emphasized that the Philippines has always recognized the important role of women in nation-building, citing President Marcos’ recent speech during the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, where he recognized their role in our national life, “as leaders in government, in business, as innovators, and educators”.
Moderated by Vice Consul Hannah V. Go, the event highlighted the contributions of Filipina American women in the field of education. The invited speakers shared their stories and experiences as immigrants and educators, their views on educational systems and innovations, as well as their thoughts about the influence of their Filipino heritage in their role as educators or educational specialists. Throughout the conversation, the panelists imparted a collective story not only of resilience, but more importantly, courage to overcome obstacles and break through barriers. The full recording of the “Women in Education” forum will be streamed on its official Facebook page and Instagram account.END
(Left photo) Ms. Chrizia dela Rosa shares how her experiences shaped her deep commitment to the values of education, resilience, and community, as well as the Filipino concept of kapwa. (Right photo) Dr. Gigi Carunungan highlights the unique methodology she employs in teaching mathematics and in establishing the successful Synapse School in Menlo Park, California.
Ms. Linda Canlas, President of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) East Bay addressed her question to the panelists during the open forum (San Francisco PCG photo)
Group photo with the speakers – Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes (6th from left) with the attendees of the Women in Education Forum at Sentro Rizal (San Francisco PCG photo)