Valderrama: Leading with compassion

Valderrama: Leading with compassion

THEY have many things in common. One was a seminarian; the other was a nun. They both lead with compassion, and they were both teachers before they held the top positions in the Department of Education (DepEd).

They see to it that they start the day with prayers. One goes to the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish every day before going inside his office; the other spends her morning saying the rosary. They prepare themselves heartily and spiritually before they meet people during the day.

In their 50s, their wisdom grew mainly out of their experiences and reflections in life. Their words are wisdom to the teachers, personnel, learners, parents and community members. They are still teachers until now leading their flock to produce and never go astray.

Yes, their personalities are so interesting. One is seen as jolly and funny but gets serious -- really serious -- when needed; the other looks firm and strict but gets very friendly and sweet when the time calls it.

Who are they? They are God's anawims, angels in disguise, leaders whom DepEd can depend on.

Those who have worked with them could testify who they really are -- how their influence gets to the lives of people.

Let’s start with DepEd Regional Director (RD) Allan Gabriel Farnazo. Like Angel Gabriel, one of the archangels known as the heavenly messenger, he sends good vibes to DepEd Davao Region. He did not rock the boat, but he made sure his purpose is felt. His aim was to make Davao Region better than it looked achievable every day.

He has been with DepEd for around two decades and he started in this region when Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos) was part of Davao Region. This is why he knew many people here and Davao became instantly his home.

He had served as regional director in other regions since 2012. He left a significant mark in all the regions he handled as he shared his expertise in educational administration, supervision and management, curriculum materials development, research and development, guidance and counseling, and special education among others.

He has already built an inspiring relationship with the Communications Team as he joins in the regular meeting of all the members. Since we conduct our meetings every Tuesday, we coined it as Tuesdays with RD Allan. This is based on the bestseller book of Mitch Albom titled Tuesdays with Morrie.

Like Morrie, RD Allan always shares about living life with great purpose, building good relationships to inspire, and discovering oneself to grow more.

Now, let’s get to know Assistant RD Maria Ines C. Asuncion who is eyed to be the next very significant RD of DepEd. With very strong faith, she starts her day with a prayer because she knows it will no longer be her doing the work but the Holy Spirit guiding her. She believes God makes her an instrument to accomplish His work.

Praying at the start of the day has not only become her habit but her way of life. She says she experiences a lot of enlightenment and Divine intervention. Difficult things are made easy, decisions are made clear, Graces overflow, and friendships multiply.

No wonder, we always feel safe and secured in her hands. We know we will be guided well, and we know we will be supported all the way.

This former nun-turned-educator had her way up starting as a classroom teacher to superintendent to director. All her experiences in DepEd gave her all the credibility and buoyancy to lead the Department. She is well known for leading the Davraa (Davao Region Athletic Association) and Palarong Pambansa hosted by Davao City with grace and precision.

RD Allan and ARD Ines will always share some things in common. They get frustrated in work when the outputs are delivered with mediocrity, but they know how to put people together to produce something great.

While we greet our teachers in the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5, let us not forget to thank these two leaders who brought spirituality into the workplace. They have set organizational values that bring completeness and joy.

Thank you, RD Allan and ARD Ines.

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