Honoring the legacy of former RITQ Deputy Director Maria Lourdes Pantoja
RITQ and its long-time research partner—the University of New England SiMERR National Research Centre—deeply mourn the passing on 13 May 2025 of Dir. Maria Lourdes Pantoja, a visionary leader whose dedication to improving teacher quality has left a significant imprint in Philippine education. While her loss is profoundly felt, RITQ and UNE-SiMERR honor her legacy and celebrate the immense contributions she made throughout her time at RITQ and the Department of the Education (DepEd).
Dir. Pantoja first joined RITQ (then the Research Center for Teacher Quality) in 2020 as a consultant, bringing her expertise to the organizational transformation component of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) Transformation project. In this role, she was involved in developing competencies for principals and supervisors, and was part of the committee that transformed the Teacher Induction Program for beginning teachers, and professional development programs for public school teachers.
In 2021, Dir. Pantoja stepped into the role of Deputy Director of RITQ, where she supported the Director in ensuring the provision of research-based policy recommendations on basic education focused on teacher and school leader quality to relevant government agencies. She led RITQ research and administrative teams to deliver outstanding outputs.
UNE-SiMERR Director Dr. John Pegg, who had worked with Dir. Pantoja for almost a decade, said that “as we bid farewell to Dir. Pantoja, we celebrate the profound impact she has made in the teaching profession. Her contributions will guide the education sector for years to come.”
Current RITQ Director Dr. ER Palomar said:”Beyond her professional achievements, Dir. Pantoja was known for her kindness, mentorship, and ability to inspire colleagues with her wisdom and vision. She may be gone, but her work and spirit will remain in the heart of RITQ forever.”
Dir. Pantoja was the pioneering Director IV of the DepEd-Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD), the office she helped form with five divisions and a staff complement of 90 people.
She led the implementation of the rationalization program at the DepEd central office. She also helped implement the Results Based Performance Management System (RPMS) as mandated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). She worked with RITQ in integrating the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) into the different DepEd human resource systems.
Also at DepEd, Dir. Pantoja helped establish the framework for the career progression for teachers, introduced the concept of talent management system, and started the training program for non-teaching positions.
Prior to her stint with the BHROD, Dir. Pantoja was Director III of NEAP, where she consolidated the human resource development (HRD) divisions that came from different units into one division at the central office, structured the NEAP central office, and established the competency-based framework as a guide to developing different training programs for DepEd personnel.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace, knowing that her contributions will not be forgotten,” Dr. Pegg said.
“Thank you, Ma’am Malou. You will always be remembered with admiration and love,” said Dr. Palomar.
