Clarissa Isabelle Liboro Delgado, Co-founder and CEO of Teach for the Philippines (TFP), has long believed in learning, simplicity, and stewardship—and in the power of being born Filipina. These values have guided her journey in reshaping Philippine education.

She began her career in research and impact measurement, managing a Randomized Control Trial with MIT J-PAL for Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS). The study confirmed the long-term literacy gains of SAS's 30-day reading program, laying the foundation for broader education reform.

In 2012, Clarissa co-founded Teach for the Philippines to tackle systemic challenges in public education. TFP trains and coaches both new and experienced public school teachers over a two-year program—equipping them to become not only effective educators but also community leaders and policy advocates. Today, TFP has reached nearly 70,000 students and trained over 300 young Filipino leaders, many of whom now work in government and education policy.

While launching TFP, Clarissa pursued a Master’s in Education at Ateneo de Manila University, where she authored a pioneering thesis analyzing the history and external investments in Philippine public education. This academic foundation helped shape TFP’s community-centered and historically-informed approach.

Her leadership has earned international recognition: in 2018, Clarissa became the first and only Filipina selected for the inaugural Obama Foundation Fellowship, chosen from over 21,000 applicants worldwide.

Clarissa and the TFP team understand that lasting change in education is a generational relay—one they are committed to running para sa bata at para sa bayan. Carrying forward the legacy of nation-builders like Ramon V. del Rosario, she is forging pathways to quality, equitable education for all Filipino children.