IN DAVAO Region, teachers are not only given special attention, but they are also recognized and awarded through the Achievement of Great Instructional Leadership Award (Agila).
The award began when Department of Education (DepEd) Davao director lawyer Alberto Escobarte took office in 2015.
The Agila Search has become a household name in DepEd. Teachers and school heads are challenged to get the most coveted outstanding award as reflected in their Herculean tasks.
The main duty of our public school teachers is to ensure that learners absorb the expected competencies in their grade level. But our teachers’ work goes beyond the walls of the classroom.
This is why director Escobarte initiated the search for most outstanding educators.
During the Agila Awards Night on October 3, director Escobarte underscored the sacrifices of teachers and how fortunate we are for having them in our lives. He also reminded them to always walk an extra mile – not for the awards but as a way of life.
Gay Jindley Cagas of Davao Occidental (DavOc) was named Most Outstanding Elementary Teacher. Together with her were John Bill B. Juen of Panabo City and Joan A. Lopez of Davao City as second and third placers, respectively.
For the Most Outstanding Secondary Teacher, Jed I. Bete of Davao City took home the award. Salve A. Daquiado of Compostela Valley (ComVal) came in second and Oliver L. Gumapac of Tagum City got the third place.
Oscar G. Pales of Davao City was hailed as the Most Outstanding Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (Alive) Teacher. Following him were Mhojara C. Fabian of ComVal and Sagera G. Pigan of Davao del Norte (DavNor), respectively.
Aside from Muslim learners, the IPEd teachers who handle IP learners were also awarded. Charlyn M. Ednaco of Davao Oriental (DavOr) reaped the first place while Lucilyn T. Sahibol of DavOc and Rovielyn T. Lapinoza of Davao City were named second and third placers, respectively.
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) Mobile teachers were also commended. Georly Mae Q. Dabalos of Davao City was awarded as Most Outstanding ALS Mobile Teacher. Included in the top three were Johnifer V. Chatto of ComVal and Metchie Gay D. Cadalzo who came in as second and third, respectively.
Part of the inclusive education program category were multigrade teachers. These are teachers who handle multigrade classes responsible for pupils belonging to different age groups, grade levels, and curricula.
Pedro L. Roble of Digos City garnered the first place, followed by Jean Estan-Mapayo of Davao City and Rose Ann A. Patayon of DavNor for top two and three, respectively.
Teachers who handle special education (SpEd) classes were also acclaimed. Sofia T. Salvo of Davao City was Most Outstanding SpEd Teacher for this year. Luis G. Culaba of Mati City and Jona B. Ganade of DavNor were second and third placers, respectively.
The master teachers responsible in assuming leadership and providing professional assistance to teachers like coaching and mentoring were also recognized. For elementary level, Amelie A. Ihalas of Tagum City was proclaimed as first place. Next in line were Darly D. Lamentac of Davao City and Chomadith Loian J. Hechanova of the Island Garden City of Samal in second and third place, respectively.
For the secondary level, Diobein C. Flores of DavNor garnered the first place, followed by Cezen M. Paculanang of Panabo City and Eleanor A. Mallabo of Davao City.
The outstanding school principals were also named. In the elementary level, Ana N. Redaniel of DavNor prevailed as the 2018 Most Outstanding Elementary School Principal. Included in the top three were Rosemarie S. Patriarcha of Panabo City and Hazel V. Luna of Davao del Sur.
For the secondary level, Noel B. Canales of ComVal reaped the first place, followed by Judith P. Magsipoc of Tagum City and William D. Enriquez of Davao City for second and third place, respectively.
The supervisors were also awarded. The Most Outstanding Public Schools District Supervisor was Belen E. Abendan of Davao City. The second and third place went to Flor Ann B. Cosare of DavSur and Marlon G. Ebrado of DavNor.
For the Most Outstanding Division Education Program Supervisor, Rebecca C. Sagot earned the first place. The top two and three were Gierson B. Rosa of DavOr and Janette B. Esteban of Davao City.
All these awardees showed exemplary performance in their field. They are the real heroes in the real world. No capes. No superpowers. Just a tremendous and compassionate heart for the learners. And this spells all the difference. (Maria Gemima C. Valderrama)