Big congratulations to Dean Don S. Amorsolo of the UE College of Fine Arts, Architecture and Design for being awarded as the 2025 Most Outstanding Educator in Caloocan!
The award was formally given to Dean Amorsolo by the City Government of Caloocan during the Outstanding Citizens Awards night held this past Sunday evening, February 16, 2025, at the Caloocan Sports Complex on Malapitan Road at Barangay 171, Bagumbong, Caloocan City. The gala event was on the occasion of the 63rd Caloocan Cityhood Anniversary, the theme of which is “Caloocan @ 63: Batang Kankaloo para sa Kapwa Batang Kankaloo”.
Dean Amorsolo’s Most Outstanding Educator award is “in sincere appreciation for…exemplary performance of duty, thereby serving as an epitome of public service,” as etched on the trophy that was awarded to him at the event by 1st District of Caloocan Congressman and former Caloocan Mayor Oscar “Oca” G. Malapitan and, representing Caloocan Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” R. Malapitan, Vice Mayor Anna Karina Teh-Limsico (both seen flanking Dean Don in the photo here).
Dean Amorsolo, who has headed the UE CFAD since July 2020, has been in academia for the last 47 years. A 1977 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting graduate of the College back when it was still the Quezon City-based UE School of Music and Arts, he had been the UE CFAD College Secretary and was formerly the dean of the Philippine Women’s University School of Fine Arts and Design.
A resident of Caloocan City’s Maligaya Park, Dean Amorsolo had previously earned an array of awards and honors throughout his creative and administrative career. These include the James J. Meany Award in 2011 for more than 25 completed surveys in tertiary education for and from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) and two Best Major Awards for Research for school year 2024-2025 from the Research and Academic Development Office of St. Scholastica’s College (SSC) in Manila. He is the Founding Chair of SSC’s Department of Fine Arts and Interior Design from 1989 to 1994 and has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, Inc. since 2010.
Aside from his UE degree, Dean Amorsolo holds the title of Candidature of Science in Theory and History of Fine Arts (CSc.) from Charles University, where he studied from 1983 to 1986, in the capital city of Prague of the Czech Republic. His international forays include having been a member of the Philippine delegation to the 13th China-ASEAN Cultural Forum in Nanning in China’s Guangxi Zhuan Autonomous Region in September 2016, a Fulbright Scholar in Advance Research and University Lecturing at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, USA, in 2008 to 2009, and an International Fellow of The Boyer Center of Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1999 to 2000.
Dean Amorsolo’s Most Outstanding Educator award marks a culmination of his unwavering dedication and expertise as a powerhouse in the combined realms of art and academia, one who has dedicated his life to academic excellence, artistic innovation, and community service. His illustrious career spans decades of teaching, research, and cultural advocacy, and being a mentor and academic leader who upholds the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and professionalism.
As the Dean of the Caloocan Campus-based UE CFAD, Dean Amorsolo has fostered an environment of
intellectual growth and artistic exploration his dedication having strengthened the College’s academic programs, modernized curricula, and mentored students to excel in their respective fields.
As a leader who values collaboration and inclusivity, he has played a crucial role in forging partnerships with local and international institutions, ensuring that students and faculty members have access to global opportunities for learning and artistic exchange. His work with the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation further underscores his commitment to cultural preservation and education. By fostering transparency and accountability in academic governance, he has strengthened institutional integrity and built a thriving community of educators and learners.
Beyond the classroom, Dean Amorsolo’s contributions extend to the broader community. He has participated in and led various cultural initiatives, including international art exhibitions, stained glass design projects, and research publications that explore Philippine art history. His work highlights the importance of preserving Filipino heritage while promoting innovation in the arts. As a mentor and leader, he inspires students to use their talents not only for personal success but also for the benefit of society.
Dean Amorsolo’s unwavering dedication to education and cultural advancement aligns seamlessly with the mission and vision of the University of the East. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the development of a just, progressive, and humane society through his work in higher education. By upholding academic freedom, progressive instruction, and creative scholarship, he has contributed to shaping morally upright and competent leaders who serve their communities with integrity and dedication.
Dean Amorsolo’s contributions have had a profound impact on Caloocan City and the Philippines as a whole. As a dedicated educator of UE’s Caloocan Campus, he has cultivated a generation of artists, designers, and architects who contribute to the city’s cultural and economic development. His initiatives in cultural preservation and education have enhanced the local creative industry, making Caloocan a center for artistic excellence. On a national level, his research and leadership in art education have influenced policies and curricula that shape the future of Philippine arts. His advocacy for Philippine heritage through various art foundations and exhibitions has brought global recognition to the country’s rich artistic traditions, further strengthening national identity and pride.
Dean Amorsolo’s contributions to education, arts, and cultural preservation make him a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award in Education in the City of Caloocan. His dedication to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility has significantly influenced countless students, faculty members, and artists, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.
Kudos, Dean Don S. Amorsolo! We in UE, UE Caloocan and UE CFAD are proud of you, Warrior Graduate and Warrior Dean!
[With reporting from the UE CFAD and the UE Caloocan Chancellor’s Office | Photo from the Facebook page of Mayor Along Malapitan]
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