31/07/2026
๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
โ
โThe halls of Father Saturnino Urios University know a tale as old as time: a student walks into a classroom carrying the fear of long discussions and intimidating formulas, only to leave with the realization that the subject was far more manageable than they expected. It is a transformation made possible by dedicated educatorsโone that ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐๐น๐ผ๐๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป ๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฎ๐ป has shared with the Urian community throughout his eight years of service.
โ
โHis path toward becoming an educator was not a straightforward one. He first pursued Chemical Engineering Technology before deciding, in his second year, to shift to Education. That decision eventually led him to earn a Bachelor of Secondary Education - Major in Chemistry and later a Master's Degree in Chemistry Educationโa turning point that ignited his passion for teaching.
โ
โAmong the many memories he has collected over eight years, one remains especially meaningful: receiving heartfelt messages from his former students at the old High School Pueblos, thanking him for making chemistry easier to understand through the teaching strategies he introduced. He also takes pride in initiating the Chemistry Olympiad, which began at Pueblos and was later continued at the Morelos campus. These moments, together with the welcoming environment of the University, continue to inspire his vision of becoming an educator who serves as a catalyst for meaningful change.
โ
โBeyond the classroom, Mr. Malaluan is recognized for his active involvement in various university initiatives. However, tipping the weight between being a teacher and a leader in order to create a balance is not as easy as it may seem, and Mr. Malaluan can attest to the harsh demand that comes with the roles he took. For instance, he felt the burden weigh on him when his counterpart moved to Morelos, leaving him as the only coordinator of the Pueblos High School. At that moment, the tasks became challenging, coupled with the fact that he had a full load as a teacher as well. Yet, despite the obstacle, Mr. Malaluan pushed forward with grace and was able to mend the situation by dedicating admin tasks to different faculties, ensuring that the burden is carried equally by all units.
โ
โFor him, being an educator means wearing many hats, each contributing to the development of both the institution and the students it serves.
โ
โIn his own words, he strives to fulfill every responsibility with purposeโcoming to class prepared to teach while also dedicating time and effort to the organizations that have entrusted him with leadership.
โ
โOutside the classroom, Mr. Malaluan finds joy in plane spotting, a hobby that reflects his fascination with aviation and the precision of aircraft soaring overhead. While seemingly unrelated to chemistry, it serves as a reminder that everyone, including educators, needs moments to pause, recharge, and pursue passions beyond work. He believes that maintaining hobbies is essential not only for teachers but also for students, helping them manage stress, restore motivation, and maintain balance amid the demands of academic life.
โ
โWhat continues to fuel Mr. Malaluan's passion for both teaching and chemistry is the opportunity to make science meaningful. Rather than limiting learning to formulas, equations, and laboratory experiments, he strives to connect complex concepts with experiences that students can relate to. Recognizing that chemistry is often perceived as one of the most challenging subjects, he intentionally bridges the gap between theory and everyday life, helping learners realize that science is not reserved only for the naturally gifted.
โ
โBy teaching with both the mind and the heart, he hopes to cultivate not only understanding but also appreciation. For him, success is not measured by how well students memorize formulas but by whether they leave his classroom recognizing chemistry as something practical, relevant, and worth exploring.
โ
โThroughout the years, another lesson has remained constant in his career: the value of humility. While teaching has brought numerous achievements, he finds the greatest fulfillment in knowing that his efforts have helped students overcome their fear of chemistry. Hearing former learners say that the subject was not as difficult as they once believed remains one of the most meaningful affirmations of his work.
โ
โWhen asked what advice he would offer students and young educators navigating challenges similar to those he once faced, his answer was simple yet profound: "๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ" Whether the obstacles are academic, professional, or personal, he believes that progress does not always require giant leaps. Even the smallest steps matter, as long as they lead toward growth.
โ
โHis journey reminds us that the greatest lessons are not always found in textbooks or laboratories, but in the people who patiently guide others toward discovering their own potential as they embody the University's enduring mottoโ"๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ." Like chemistry itself, meaningful education is built through connectionโone that continues to shape lives long after the final lesson has ended.
โ
โWrite-up By: Sharmaine Mutia & Princess Padecio
โPhoto by: Frances Semacio
โLayout by: Sharish Rejas
โ
โ
โ
