The parents of Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Ariella Arida have done way more than just to raise a beauty queen – they are also accomplished educators who are being honoured by the Department of Education (DepEd) for their years of service in a simple ceremony at DepEd Central Office. During a courtesy call to Education Secretary Br Armin A. Luistro FSC the Aridas were presented with plaques of appreciation for being “inspiring educators.”

Arlesito Arida is a retired public school Sports Coordinator and teacher for 44 years, and was assigned as District PE coordinator for 20 years. Estella Arida is currently a public school principal in Alaminos, Laguna. She began teaching in 1972 and has been a principal since 2005. She was Outstanding Teacher in the District of Alaminos in 2003-2004 and an Alaminos Jaycees Outstanding Teacher in 2002-2003.

“We never expected to be the parents of a Binibining Pilipinas winner. Simple lang ang pamilya namin, makatapos lang ng pag-aaral ang aming mga anak ay tagumpay na para sa amin,” Mrs. Arida beamed.

Luistro said the Arida family serves as a testimony that education is truly a function of both the home and school. “Parents like Arlesito and Estella, who take care of children both in school and in their home, are shining examples of what parents and teachers should be. The fact that they have raised accomplished children – products of our public schools, no less – while taking care of other children in their schools, deserves praise.”

Luistro adds that “Most of our teachers are parents, too. We recognize them for the difficult task of balancing those responsibilities and doing both of them well.”

The Aridas have two daughters who are both products of the public school system and graduates of the University of the Philippines – Los Banos.

Mrs. Arida said she did not encourage Ariella to become a model or join beauty contests as it may affect her studies. “Our position is for her to study first before taking other endeavors,” she said. “We always reminded them: ‘magtapos muna bago mag-boyfriend o kung ano man.’”

Ariella graduated with a degree in Chemistry. She will represent the country in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, Russia on November 9.