Filipino educator gets UK’s royal award for community leaders

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino educator Edison David was named to the United Kingdom’s 2026 honors list for his contributions to British society through education.

David, who is from Tarlac City, got an MBE, or Member of the Order of the British Empire, an honor given to “people who have worked hard for their community over a long time and made a big difference.”

The UK honored more than 100 individuals in the 2026 King’s list with different awards. It is an annual tradition of the UK. Among this year’s honorees are Hollywood stars Cynthia Erivo, who was also honored with an MBE; and Idris Elba, who was honored with knighthood.

“Para sa akin, ang MBE ay hindi lang para sa akin – ito po ay para sa lahat ng mga gurong Pilipino na buong puso at sipag ang pagbibigay-serbisyo, saan mang panig ng mundo,” David said on his Facebook page.

(For me, the MBE is not only for me – it’s for all Filipino teachers who give their heart and soul to provide service anywhere in the world.)

David is an executive headteacher in two schools in London, and is also a lead inspector for Ofsted, the UK’s regulator for education and social care.

David and the other honorees will personally receive their awards at the Buckingham Palace from King Charles.

“I may have spent most of my professional life in the UK, but my roots are firmly in the Philippines. I carry with me the values I grew up with — resilience, humility, hard work, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives,” David said in a press statement.

Other Filipinos who have been on the UK’s honor list are:

• consul officers Victoria Buenaventura and Joanna Teh (MBE, 2015)
• former ambassador Jesus Tambunting (Order of the British Empire or OBE, 2017)
• driver Roland Quitevis (British Empire Medal or BEM, 2019);
• nurse Joy Ongcachuy (OBE, 2019)
• nurse Charito Romano (BEM, 2021)

– Rappler.com