PALO, Leyte, (PNA) – The Department of Education (DepEd)-Leyte division has awarded selected teachers and personnel who had brought “numerous and laudable” achievements to the province in 2015 through this year’s “Pasidungog Awards.”
“The office just cannot let the year pass without recognizing the efforts of these people who added meaningful marks and created milestone in the history of our department,” said Ronelo Al K. Firmo, DepEd Leyte schools division superintendent.
Firmo said that 2015 was a “victorious” year for Leyte, with the various programs and projects it successfully implemented and the numerous academic, sports competitions and other activities it participated and eventually won.
“Our laurel is product of meritorious performances, undying efforts and dedication of our employees both teaching and non-teaching,” said Firmo, noting how “quite rough and rocky” the role played by its workforce particularly in recovering themselves two years after super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
“This is a special event, a keepsake…I am proud and deeply honored to welcome everyone to this year’s historic recognition of outstanding accomplishments, the Pasidungog,” Firmo said in his opening message during the awarding ceremony on Friday.
“As always, we are continuously reminded that we are mere vessels carrying precious cargo with the ultimate mission of unloading those in every port that we may docked such that it will be consumed to make a difference on others and effect better lives,” he added.
He reminded the awardees to always become the source of light for others while working for their “unceasing growth and development” and turning their performances greater and greater every other day.
The awardees, who came from each of the seven areas in Leyte division, received their plaques and certificates of recognitions as outstanding teachers and advisers in multi-grade, monograde, kindergarten, EMIS, special education, grade I reading, school publication, supreme pupils government and supreme students government, guidance counsellors, agriculture, alternative learning system (ALS) mobile teachers and district coordinators.
Also awarded were implementers in DepEd computerization program and drop-out reduction program, gulayan sa paaralan program, and outstanding master teachers, school heads, principals, supervisors, eco-friendly schools, utility worker, disbursing officer, bookkeeper, clerk, nurse, and section chief.
Merit award was also given to the 2015 Metrobank Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines, while special awards were given for teachers who excel in academic competitions, sports officials, coaches and tournament managers.
“Success may seem sudden but in reality it is the result of small often unnoticeable incremental step…It didn’t came overnight,” added Dr. Judella R. Lumpas, Leyte assistant schools division superintendent, as she congratulated the awardees for not giving up despite the challenges in their various assignments.
Leyte governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla also lauded the awardees for being partners for excellence and development in the province.
“I hope we can continue to work together because this is one of the most important factors in the development of our community,” said Petilla, while emphasizing on the role of the teachers in educating and inculcating good values of the constituents.
“The people are our most important asset…By educating the constituents, they will be more productive. And if they are productive, poverty will be reduced,” added Petilla, as he shared his vision for economic development of the province.
“We can reach new heights, we can accomplish more being one, one with our local government unit, one with our national government, and one with our people in the province,” he said.
In his speech, Petilla also announced his full support to DepEd’s senior high school program.
He also shared on some of the province’s plans and achievements in terms of health, agriculture, livelihood, information and communication technology, governance, sports, and education, among others. (PNA)/RONALD O. REYES
