Filipino teacher makes it to United Kingdom’s 2026 honors list

Filipino educator Edison David has been honored by King Charles III in the 2025 New Year Honours List for his outstanding contributions to education in the United Kingdom.

David, who works as an Executive Headteacher at Granton Primary School, has been awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the third-highest ranking in the Order of the British Empire, following the CBE and OBE.

An MBE is given to individuals who "for an outstanding achievement, or service to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact."

The same recognition was previously awarded to prominent figures like musicians Adele, Ed Sheeran, and American comedian Rob Brydon.

From teaching in Tarlac City, David moved to the UK and later rose to senior leadership roles within the British education system. He is believed to be the first individual of Filipino descent to be awarded an MBE for contributions to education.

"It was a tremendous honour to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King," David said in a press statement.

"I may have spent most of my professional life in the UK, but my roots are firmly in the Philippines. I carried with me the values I grew up with—resilience, humility, hard work, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives," he added.

"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," he wrote in his Facebook post.

The award will be formally presented at Buckingham Palace, usually in the Throne Room, by King Charles himself or another member of the Royal Family.