The Estigoy Legacy: A tough act to follow

Director's Cut: (This portion features the thoughts of DepED 11 Regional Director Susana Teresa B. Estigoy, CESO III to all stakeholders and recipients of the efforts to improve the basic education) I do not consider my job as plain work --- rather it is my LIFE. "We have to continually examine what succeeds and fails, and why. We have to uphold and live true to our battlecry and slogan of governance: "Education For All (EFA) 2015: Karapatan ng Lahat, Pananagutan ng Lahat"

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OCTOBER 5, 2012, World Teachers' Day Celebration officially declared by UNESCO marks the compulsory retirement in the government service after 44 long years of selfless commitment and dedication of DepEd 11 Regional Director Susana Teresa B. Estigoy.

She has left a legacy many have touted as a tough act to follow.

To best illustrate this monumental pour out of praises and generous words of appreciation for the kind of culture of public service RD Estigoy had inculcated in this region, I have collated portions of messages her well-wishers had uttered during her testimonial program at the Davao Convention Center.

"What I really appreciate about Director Susana Teresa B. Estigoy is her own commitment to stay in her own region even up to retirement. I have actually offered her another position that I thought would be able for her to share her gifts with other regions. But she made a personal choice to stick it out with the region to actually help to institutionalize the reforms that she started there several years ago. I am grateful of this commitment and all educators must think of this commitment even it would mean a personal sacrifice." - DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro, fsc.

"As Managing Director of the BEAM Project, you have done a superb job. The success of BEAM is no small way on what you have done. You did a fantastic job. I believe that the success of BEAM is due to your commitment to the project and your willingness to support and give the best resources." - BEAM Australian Project Director Ian Darcy Walsh.

"I can proudly say that I never regret supporting Director Susan to stay in Region XI, in fact, I considered it as one of the best decisions I have ever made. I believe, this August body, the very reasons why she exists will agree with me.

With Susan's retirement, I am entertaining a mixed feelings, in fact, I am very emotional about this whole thing. I feel happy because, at last, she can now focus with what she miss in her life, giving more time for herself, her children and of course like all other grandparents like me, our 'makukulit' but loving and huggable 'apos'.

On the other hand, I feel sad because she will no longer be the one in command, the one to steer Region XI to greater heights if only time will not catch up with her. But as in the lines of the song, 'some good things never last', we all need to remember that even how much we wanted her to stay, Director Susan has her own life to live after serving the Department of Education for more than 40 years." - Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario.

"We hosted two national DepEd events when she was a superintendent of South Cotabato during the time when I was a Governor. I entrusted her everything and she was able to deliver more than I expected of her. She was not involved in any case of graft and corruption. Ma'am Susan, you're the best." - former South Cotabato Governor Hilario De Pedro III.

Director Estigoy in her response to all those praises and commendation just merely uttered that she was just doing what a real public servant needs to do for the sake of our schoolchildren and reiterated her famous slogan of work attitude that I always use in my column, "I do not consider my job as plain work --- rather it is my LIFE".

Ma'am Susan, you touched my own life and I will never reach this far in my career without your trust and confidence to my abilities. You are God's instrument of shaping those whom you believe will be able to continue your legacy as a public servant.

Mabuhay ka and Godspeed our beloved Ma'am Susan!

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You can access DepED Updates, latest issuances and other relevant information through our website: region11.deped.gov.ph. and our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/deped.regionxi

For comments, suggestions and/or contributions, email depedregion11@gmail.com. For queries, complains and other concerns, call DepED Region 11 at (082) 227-9342 or fax to (082) 227-1102 and (082) 221-6147.