Dominican government honors 16 teachers with Medalla al Mérito Magisterial 2026

The Dominican government, led by President Luis Abinader, conferred the Medalla al Mérito Magisterial 2026 and other distinctions to 16 teachers in a ceremony at the National Palace on July 8, 2026. The event, coinciding with Teacher's Day (June 30), recognized educators for their exemplary careers and contributions to education.

The awards

The highest honor, the Pedro Henríquez Ureña Gold Medal, went to Arquímedes Jerez de la Cruz (Regional 16, Cotuí). The Eugenio María de Hostos Silver Medal was awarded to Yahaira Constanza Rosario de Hernández, and the Salomé Ureña de Henríquez Bronze Medal to Nathalie Elianna García García, both from Regional 07, San Francisco de Macorís Source: Diario Libre.

Additional recognitions

• Three Dominican teachers residing in the United States — Fiordaliza Ippolito Acosta, Yalisa Garibaldi, and Lissette Parra — received special honors Source: Hoy.
• 10 university professors were awarded the Annual Excellence Prize for Higher Education Faculty, including Leyda Mercedes Brea Sención (PUCMM), Ambiórix de Jesús Cepeda Hernández (Unade), and others Source: Hoy.

Discrepancy in reports

While Hoy reports 16 educators recognized (the three medalists, three US-based teachers, and ten higher education professors), Diario Libre focuses on the three medal winners and the three US-based teachers, omitting the higher education category. The difference may stem from editorial focus rather than factual disagreement; both sources confirm the same medal recipients and special recognitions.