Outstanding teachers in N. Mindanao recognized

IN COMMEMORATION of the 100th birth year of the late Justiniano R. Borja, Cagayan de Oro’s first elected city mayor, the Gigi V. Borja Endowment Fund recognized outstanding teachers from northern Mindanao for their outstanding contribution during an awarding ceremony held at the City Tourism Hall.

Mitchel V. Rodriguez, Teacher III of Odiongan Central School in Gingoog City, was chosen as the 2012 Most Outstanding Public School Teacher (Mopsta).

Rodriguez took home a trophy and P70,000 cash for her most outstanding performance during the actual teaching demonstration, as observed by the Mopsta 2011-2012 committee.

She also received P15,000 cash and a computer set for her school from the Rotary Club West and GlobalChips HP.

Aside from Rodriguez, other teachers were also given recognition.

Virginia C. Rejas, Master Teacher II of Kibawe Central Elementary School, bagged first runner up and pocketed P30,000 cash plus ceiling fan and P10,000 cash for her school.

Second runner up was Aireen O. Suan, Teacher II of Kauswagan Central School, who received P20,000 cash and trophy plus ceiling fan and P5,000 cash for her school.

In third place was Reinante Noel N. Pelagio, Secondary School Teacher III of Bukidnon National High School while in fourth place was Clariza P. Catedral, Secondary School Teacher I of Ozamiz High School in Ozamiz City.

Lopelyn H. Saraus Vladez, Master Teacher I of Bukidnon High School in Malaybalay City, was awarded 5th runner up.

The three runners up were given a trophy and P5,000 cash each.

Eileen San Juan, past president of Rotary Club of West, said the Mopsta program started 30 years ago by the Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro, which has become a flagship project of the club under Vocational Service.

San Juan said the search for Mopsta is centered on public elementary and secondary school teachers from all divisions in Northern Mindanao with at least three successive years in teaching.

“The search for Mopsta goes through a selection process and considers the instructional competence and teaching effectiveness of the teacher, especially in the actual class demonstration and interview,” she said.

San Juan believed that the battle and the challenges of being a school teacher is in the public school system.

She also commended the Mopsta committee from the Rotary Club of West who traveled for several days to various areas around the region to meet and interview the nominees as well as witness the actual teaching performance.

San Juan said the passion, sacrifice and real dedication of the Mopsta committee has helped in sustaining the program.

Justice Romulo V. Borja, the only son of the former mayor, said their family believed strongly in education that is why they are supporting Mopsta for 20 years now.

Borja also thanked the two historical events given by the City Government in commemoration of his late father who has made a difference to Cagayan de Oro.

During the culmination night, San Juan formally opens the search for the 2012-2013 Mopsta.

She said through Mopsta, the Rotary Club West Foundation will continue to recognize the achievement, innovativeness and dedication of public school teachers and provide inspiration and encouragement to teachers to do more for the future movers of the communities.

Other benefactors of Mopsta recognized during the program were Rotary Club West Foundation Inc., GlobalChips Inc., Theresa “Bing” Celdran, Past President Almarco “Al” Brito, Past President Armando “Mandy” Tarayao, Southland Event Inc. and Past President IWC Remedios Espiritu.