My Biography

Elsa Batton was born and raised in the tribal mountains of the Ifugaos. She belonged to generations of
shamans from both parents’ side. Her lifelong vocation and advocacy began through the Evangelical
Church mission run by Americans in her hometown. From one of the students attending the mission,
becoming one of its most dedicated and committed youth volunteers. Elsa saw the mission as a motivation
to get an education in spite of her own impoverished life.

She graduated college through the help of an Uncle after the untimely death of her father. By the time
she came to Manila for a teaching career, she had already participated in countless ministries to the
remote villages, sometimes by going by foot.

A dedicated educator first and foremost, she has initiated outreach ministries in the marginal
communities of Quezon City. A self-starter, her fund raisings and activities benefitted both her school and
community. For seven years she has spearheaded the outreach program in Payatas, when the infamous
Smoky Mountain was still there. Now, the church she has started is going strong within the community
and guiding children to be productive members of society. A life changing project she started in 2000, is
a Preschool for a Korean Christian Ministry for marginal children in Lagro and Batasan also in Quezon City.
The project was so successful and presently, have established five Preschools in different areas in Metro
Manila.

As an exhibit organizer, she promoted her tribe, the Ifugaos, showcasing their unequaled skills in wood
carving and cloth weaving. Through her dedication, new businesses and products from her remote
homeland finally gained attention in the Manila market. Presently, those businesses have established
meaningful partnerships locally and abroad, greatly improving the living conditions of this indigenous
people.

Elsa finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Secondary Education from St. Louis University in Baguio
City, a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Education, Major in History from the Quezon City Memorial
Colleges, garnering her two BSE diplomas. A Caregiver NC 2 Certificate from the Physical Training and
Caregiver Foundation Training Institute to further her skills in helping Children with Special Needs. She
has a degree in Master of Arts in Special Education majoring in Mental Retardation from The Manuel L.
Quezon University and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the
Immaculada Conception Colleges.

For her more than 25 years as an Educator she has received awards including ten consecutive years of
recognition as a valued member of her school. Her Loyalty Award was given to her from the Fairview
Baptist Academy for 25 years of service and gratitude for her contributions to the school, the community
and to the growing A-Listers of alumnus she has inspired to be exceptional members of society. She
received the Plaque of Appreciation for Service and Loyalty, a two-time recognition by the American
Legion Auxiliary earning her invitations to represent the Philippines to the US Awareness Conventions for
2008 and 2009.For her dedicated service, the American Legion Auxiliary also awarded her unit, Unit
202, the most active unit in the Philippines for 2009.