Jacqueline P. Che, Interim Commissioner of Education, on the Passing of Dr. Marifi A. Doculan, 2026 CNMI State Teacher of the Year

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Jacqueline P. Che, Interim Commissioner of Education, on the Passing of Dr. Marifi A. Doculan, 2026 CNMI State Teacher of the Year

“The CNMI Public School System mourns the loss of Dr. Marifi A. Doculan, an exceptional Marianas High School STEM educator and the 2026 CNMI State Teacher of the Year, who passed away on October 12, 2026.

Her passing is a significant loss for both the Marianas High School community and the entire Public School System.

Dr. Doculan was a committed educator whose career demonstrated a strong devotion to teaching, learning, and advancing science education in the Northern Mariana Islands. At Marianas High School, she helped prepare generations of students for their future. Since joining Marianas High School in 2018, Dr. Doculan devoted eight years of service to the MHS family, sharing in the hopes and aspirations of thousands of students who came through its classrooms, each with dreams of learning, succeeding, and building a better future for themselves and their families.

Her selection as the CNMI State Teacher of the Year for 2025–2026 recognized her outstanding service to public education. Announced in November 2025, this honor placed her among the Commonwealth’s most respected educators and highlighted her contributions at Marianas High School and the Commonwealth’s public education, as a whole.

Dr. Doculan had a strong academic and professional background. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines and pursued graduate studies in Educational Management at Eastern Samar State University, as well as Curriculum and Instruction, including STEM education at Adams State University. In 2022, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Teaching, from Northcentral University.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the classroom. Early in her career, she volunteered as a teacher-mentor with UP Pahinungod, a University of the Philippines service program. She was also involved in educational technology, professional development, and the sciences.

These experiences enriched her professional practice and benefited the students and school community she served in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Beyond her credentials and recognition, Dr. Doculan’s passing reminds us that a teacher’s true impact shows in daily dedication to educating students, fostering curiosity, and helping young people build knowledge and confidence.

The Public School System extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Doculan’s family, loved ones, colleagues, students, and the Marianas High School community.

We recognize the grief her passing brings, especially to those who worked and learned with her. During this difficult time, we ask the PSS community to offer compassion and support to one another and to respect her family’s privacy.

Dr. Doculan’s contributions toward public education, her professional achievements, and her recognition as CNMI State Teacher of the Year will remain an important part of her lasting legacy.

We mourn her loss, honor her service, and offer our heartfelt sympathies to all whose lives she touched.”