Two Filamer Christian University (FCU) alumni brought pride to Capiz after earning top honors in the Dakilang Manggagawang Pilipino sa UAE 2026 with awarding ceremony held in the United Arab Emirates on October 11.

Marites “Tess” Rufo, a College of Nursing alumna from the Class of 1998, was named Grand Winner, while Klenton “Totoy” Albay Sibelina, a College of Teacher Education alumnus from the Class of 2015, secured the Top 1 distinction in the same recognition program presented by Pinas Group of Companies (Pinas Cargo UAE).

Rufo currently serves as a staff nurse at Dubai Health and has dedicated 17 years of service in the UAE.

Her commitment to healthcare and compassionate service also earned her the Grand Winner title in the Nikai Angel Award Season 2 in 2021 for her contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Meanwhile, Sibelina has been making strides in the field of education in the UAE for more than a decade, demonstrating dedication and excellence in his profession raking high positions in educational institutions in the Middle East which is a fist for any Filipino.

“Mula sa isang simpleng bahay kubo hanggang sa mga pangarap na unti-unting nagiging realidad, patuloy tayong babangon, lalaban, at magbibigay-inspirasyon sa iba,” Totoy said in his social media post after winning.

Sibelina also served one of the pioneer teachers of FCU Senior High School in 2026.

The recognition featured 10 finalists and was anchored on four core criteria: Dakila sa Pamilya (Noble in Family), Dakila sa Trabaho (Noble in Work), Dakila sa Komunidad (Noble in Community), and Dakila sa Pananampalataya(Noble in Spiritual Life or Faith).

Their achievements highlight the contributions of Filipino professionals abroad and reflect the values of hard work, compassion, resilience, and service that FCU continues to instill in its graduates.

(Article by Heicel Jen Payo/The Hillside Echo – Senior)