Albert Einstein once said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.” Having taught for more than forty years in various learning institutions in the Philippines and abroad, teaching by example comes natural to someone like Dr. Romulo F. Magsino.
A graduate of Luzonian University in Lucena, Quezon, Dr. Magsino obtained his masters and doctoral degrees in education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He is a prolific scholar and a recognized authority in education, having authored and edited nine books and monographs; published more than 70 articles in various books and journals; authored approximately 80 papers which were presented at international, national, regional, provincial and district conferences; and authored almost 50 papers which were presented at seminars, workshops and lectures. His research interests are varied, ranging from educational reform, multiculturalism, values, public and private education, teacher behavior, educational policy and practice, citizenship, and human/student rights, among others. He has served as editor or member of the Board of Editors of six journals including the Education and Law Journal, Encounters in Education, Multiculturalism, and Paideusis, the official publication of the Canadian Philosophy of Education Society.
Dr. Magsino is a strong advocate for the improvement of teacher education, largely through his administrative work as Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. He also served as Chair of the Council of Deans and Directors of Education in Manitoba. He has been responsible for developing and revising undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs in the Faculty of Education. He is also responsible for evaluating teacher educational programs at three prominent universities in Canada (Queen’s University, Simon Fraser University, and University of Regina). His efforts led to the enhancement of pre-service preparation of teachers in Manitoba. For his invaluable service to the University of Manitoba, Dr. Magsino was appointed Dean Emeritus (lifetime appointment) in June 2005.
Also an active Filipino community leader, Dr. Magsino is the President of the Philippine Canadian Centre, providing leadership in fund raising, planning, development, administration, and management of the Centre. It is largely a credit to Dr. Magsino’s work that the Filipino community is proud to have its own Philippine Canadian Centre, a $2.3 million facility which has become the site of cultural and other activities not only of the Filipino community but other ethnic associations as well.
Dr. Magsino is the chair of the Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Council, and holds membership at the Manitoba Immigration Council which involves working with different community leaders to promote the well-being of the cultural minorities, immigrants and refugees residing in Manitoba. As a result of his work, there has been an increased recognition and sensitivity to the educational needs of children of cultural minorities in the school system.
For his outstanding contribution to the Filipino community in Manitoba and efforts to create greater harmony among cultural minorities, Dr. Magsino was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. He is a recipient of a medal of honor conferred by the provincial government of Quezon in 2000. He was also one of the 100 Outstanding Filipino Canadians in 1999 and one of 20 Outstanding Filipino Americans in 1998 selected by Filipino Image Magazine. In 1998, he was chosen as the Most Outstanding Filipino Canadian by the Binibining Pilipinas of North America Pageant. The United Council of Filipino Associations in Canada gave Dr. Magsino the Mabuhay Award in 1982.
In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Dr. Romulo F. Magsino, the President recognizes his lifelong commitment to excellence in higher education, and his leadership within the Filipino community which has raised awareness on the important role of immigrants in the cultural diversity of Manitoba.
