Monday, December 22, 2008 Mendoza: A reward for love of work By Lorenzo E. Mendoza Scribe's Corner
DIRECTOR'S Cut: (This portion features the thoughts of DepEd 11 (Southern Mindanao) Regional Director Susana Teresa B. Estigoy, CESO IV 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: 'Sulong ang Karunungan, Labanan ang Kahirapan!'"
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It was an ordinary employees' Christmas Party, or so I thought.
I came to the occasion ready to receive my giveaways and possible winnings in some parlor games. I was also excited to see my co-workers strut their wares to the tune of Hawaiian-inspired music (some turned out to look Hawaiian but danced Christmas disco songs). I did enjoy the show. Never mind if some have both left feet and were just there to serve as post or the popular "wala lang". It was really a bench clearing dance presentation as almost all DepEd regional employees filled the dance floor. No chiefs so high or any lowly employee.
Everybody was there to have fun. And so they found it. And so did I.
There was that Search for Mr. & Ms. DEEARO. Or shall we call it "the quickest way to be a queen or king". Again, it was fun to know that the folders they were holding would transform them into the office's ambassador of good luck, er... goodwill). The search isn't for beauty, though the winners (Brenda and Edward) are. You become queen and king because you picked being queen and king. Anyway, you are the king and queen, period.
A come-on to the party was people who once worked in the regional office -- the retirees. Though that night, they were given another name -- the pensioners.
They may be slowed down by their age but their spirits are always burning with desire to support DepEd activities whenever needed.
The presence of our two big bosses, Director Susana Teresa B. Estigoy and Assistant Director Fe C. Delos Reyes served as inspiration to the employees.
Estigoy delivered a message conveying her pronouncement of not regretting to be part of Deped 11 (Northern Mindanao) and if she would choose again, still she would prefer to be here and head the office till her retirement. ARD Delos Reyes' rendition of the Christmas Alphabet ignited maximum participation of the workers by reciting the alphabet while she was singing.
A sumptuous dinner was the prize given to all the hardworking DepEd employees through the years. It was really a flood of food and drinks. Everybody, I supposed was able to enjoy the music, the dance and of course... the food.
The biggest surprise for me was when RD Estigoy was about to end her speech. She said a few employees have worked beyond what she expected of them and thus deserve special recognition; and then she called my name.
I was moved by the gesture of appreciation coming from the highest-ranking official of DepEd Northern Mindanao, but I also wanted to melt from all the attention. It was my most unforgettable occasion, birthday, Christmas and other important occasions combined. I never expected that my love for my work would be given due credit by our director and would be announced in front of my co-employees.
I felt deeply honored and fortunate to be given such a very important recognition coming from a hardworking boss who does not consider her work as a mere job but her LIFE, her way of life.
For me, one's performance of a duty should go beyond 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. cycle. It is not selective of time, nor should one count the time while one is working. In short, it's all about the quality of one's work.
I always believe that learning new things should not stop after you reached a certain level of success or position. One needs to always reinvent himself, explore new things to be more productive and do extraordinary work to meet the expectations of your boss or even surpass it.
Rest assured that I will continue to dedicate my life and give my best shots at any responsibility or any chance to contribute.
The special recognition given to me by RD Estigoy is a signal that I have to exert extra effort to make everything that I do to meet her and my chief's expectations. It is a challenge to surpass what I did and a new responsibility for the years to come for the benefit of the center of all these efforts -- the CHILD. There may be thorns, rough roads and uneven terrains along my journey but I know I can do it.
To God be the Glory!
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You can access DepEd Updates, latest issuances and other relevant information through our website: http://www.region11.deped.gov.ph. For comments, suggestions and/or contributions, email me at renzthescribe@yahoo.com. or visit http://renzmendoza.multiply.com. for photos and other relevant information. For queries, complains and other concerns, call DepED Region 11 at (082) 227-9342 or fax to (082) 227-1102.
