Duck herder turned Educator: A Filipino’s journey to becoming a University Professor in Australia

“I aimed for valedictorian not just for the medal—but for a scholarship that could rewrite my family’s story,” shares UNSW Associate Professor Dennis Alonzo, whose determination turned hardship into hope.

“Always give your best. Seize every opportunity—it could be the one that changes your life,” says UNSW Sydney Associate Professor Dennis Alonzo, who lives by this guiding principle in pursuit of a better and more meaningful life. Credit: Dennis Alonzo

Key Points

• Dennis Alonzo is an Associate Professor of Assessment, Curriculum, and Teacher Education at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
• He hails from South Cotabato and was a proud scholar of MSU-IIT in Iligan City and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines during his college years.
• He also led the establishment of the Asia Pacific Assessment and Curriculum Studies—an initiative aimed at improving teaching methods, assessment practices, and advancing inclusive learning across schools and universities in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Duck herder turned Educator: A Filipino’s journey to becoming a University Professor in Australia

SBS Filipino

14:09Filipino

Dennis Alonzo is a respected Associate Professor of Assessment, Curriculum, and Teacher Education at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia—a role that reflects his passion for learning and dedication to shaping future educators. Credit: Dennis Alonzo/FB

Once they finally settled in Australia, Dennis Alonzo took his mother on a trip to the popular tourist destination, the Sydney Opera House. Credit: Dennis Alonzo

According to Vivian Alonzo-Francisco, she and her sibling are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of their uncle, now UNSW Sydney Associate Professor Dennis Alonzo. His support not only helped them finish their studies—it changed the course of their lives. Credit: Vivian Alonzo-Francisco

UNSW Associate Professor Dennis Alonzo attended the college graduation of his niece, Vivian Francisco-Amada, in the Philippines. Credit Vivian Francisco-Amanda

Vivian Alonzo-Francisco's graduation. Credit: Supplied

UNSW Sydney Associate Professor Dennis Alonzo also helped some of his nieces and nephews finish their studies—among them, Janine Alonzo, now a teacher in Singapore, and her youngest sibling. His support opened doors and changed their future. Credit Vivian Alonzo-Francisco

Janine Alonzo’s university graduation was a proud moment shared with her family in the Philippines and her uncle, now UNSW Sydney Associate Professor Dennis Alonzo—whose support helped turn dreams into reality. Credit: Vivian Alonzo-Francisco

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