The Search for the 2015 Achievement of Great Instructional Leadership Award (AGILA) for Teachers and School Heads finally alighted in the very foot of Davao Region.

Initiated by Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte, the AGILA became the highlight of the first ever prestigious celebration of the World Teachers’ Day.  With the Director’s ingenuity, all changes and innovations became possible in the region.

For the first time, the search to give due recognition and incentive to public school teachers and school heads who have demonstrated exemplary achievements had the best of both worlds.

The search was open to all mobile, multigrade, elementary and secondary teachers, as well as elementary and secondary school heads.  All in all, six educators from each division were recognized after they have met the qualifications.

The process for evaluation made in each division wasn’t easy. The schools division superintendents along with their division personnel scrutinized the nominees based on the criteria set by the Regional Office.

The criteria involved outstanding accomplishments, instructional competence and teaching effectiveness, leadership potentials, professional and community involvement, personal qualities and character, and professional competence among others.

During the awards’ night, Dioscoro B. Vicentino, the composer of “I am a Teacher” and the regional hymn originally composed in English and was later translated to the vernacular entitled “Davao Region, Pinanggang Yuta”, received the most prestigious recognition award.  He is dubbed as the living hero of Region XI.

Director Escobarte also made sure that those deserving teachers and school heads with commendable story worth emulating will be recognized.

Let us take a brief glimpse to our first AGILA awardees.

Compostela Valley

Grace T. Antonio, a multi-grade teacher of Matangad Elementary School (ES), won first place in the Regional Search for Multi-Grade Teacher Achiever in 2009.    She was first runner-up in the Regional Search for Outstanding Reading Teacher.  In 2014, she became a provincial finalist of the Metrobank Search for Outstanding Reading Teacher.  In that same year, she was also named as Civil Service Commission Regional Awardee.

Another awardee is Aimee G. Mancao, a kinder teacher at Kingking CES.  She was the 2011 Model Pre-School Teacher in Region XI and a national trainer of Kinder Education at the same time.

Lymcie M. Dy of Monkayo National High School (NHS) was named Most Outstanding Secondary Teacher.  She was the 2014 TODAY (Ten Outstanding & Distinguished Achievers of the Year) awardee.

Wilberto T. Bugani initiated the opening of the ALS program in New Bataan district.  Along with this, he developed learning modules and advocacy campaign materials for ALS. These were few of the many reasons why he was named as Most Outstanding Mobile Teacher in ComVal.

Annabel A. Isaac, principal of Tagdangua ES, has dramatically improved the school to become one of the cleanest, safest, most attractive schools in the division.  She was a national awardee when she was still a multigrade teacher.

Ritchell E. Cruz of Manat NHS has become a famous name in the field of Gulayan sa Paaralan, Brigada Eskwela, and Campus Journalism.  When you visit the school, the evidences are right in front of your eyes.

Panabo City

Celeste A. Corlet developed five community-based learning materials utilized by other mobile teachers.  She has become a resource speaker in the division training to all ALS implementers and literacy volunteers for Abot- Alam Program and division orientation of newly hired ALS implementers on ALS programs, projects and teaching strategies.

Cherryl T. Gabatilla of Panabo CES became a research presenter in CAMTESOL Conference at Phnom Penh in Cambodia this year for her research entitled Language Learning Strategies and Communication Skills of the fast learners. She is the initiator or author of Reading Ladder 2015, Share and Care reading Remediation Program in Panabo CES, and Special reading Materials for Non and Slow Readers in Grades I to III.

Secondary teacher Gilbert G. Capallanes organized the Junior Disaster Team (JDAT) anchored on Disaster Preparedness in the school as replacement of the former Citizen Advancement Training (CAT).  He also initiated the daily training schedule per sports discipline with permanent training venue and Operation Standards in the security measures of the school.

Multi-grade teacher Keren T. Luma initiated the utilization of SIM in school and other interested schools of Panabo South District and established the self-made digital Form 137-E used by the teachers of Namuag ES.  At the same time he acted as school Science, Math, ICT, HEKASI and Physical Facilities Coordinator.

Marissa Y. Manginsay, principal of San Vicente ES, raised the school performance from 82.43 to 86.65. She also helped in the decrease of wasted and severely wasted pupils from 179 to 4 pupils through the school based feeding program.  Her school was Gulayan sa Paaralan champion in the division level.

Memia B. Infiesto of Panabo NHS garnered regional champion titles such as Brigada Eskwela Best Implementer and Gawad Kalasag .  Aside from that, she garnered Fourth Grand Award Intel- ISEF INTERNATIONAL Research International Competition at Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and Honourable Mention in I- SWEEEP International Research Competition from SY 2013 to 2015 at Houston, Texas, USA.

Davao del Norte

Martina S. Marin of Sto. Tomas NHS has a bucket of accomplishments in her school such as overall champion in the

Ronnie A. Publico leads an elementary school in a very remote area in Kapalong increasing the NAT from 63.32 to 76.14.  He was able to generate almost 2M worth of building in the school and others such as badminton court, medical equipment, ICT equipment, and feeding program.

Elementary teacher Albert D. Eñano is an artist and he was able to build a niche for himself when he won second place in National Values Posters in 2015, third place in National SciMath Collage Making, and 2015 Champion in the National Level Poster Making, Teacher Category.

Merly L. Sayon, secondary teacher, is a resource speaker in different clubs and organizations.  She is a writer in the Secondary Filipino during the formulation of test items in all subject areas for the Division Unified Test and KPUP Assessment Tools and Strategies.

Rey T. Orgel is a mobile teacher of Ata-Manobo in the far flung areas of Talaingod District for more than nine years.  As he travels 30 kilometers in rocky and terrain roads, Orgel brings with him biscuits, bread, soap.  He does not only teach IPs how to read and write, he also teaches them hygiene and how to wash clothes.

IGACOS

Violeto F. Claros of Anonang NHS is the tough environmentalist.  In his 20 years in Don Dasalla NHS,he was the division’s consistent Most Outstanding YES-O implementer.  When he transferred to Matanis NHS, the school became Hall of Fame in Brigada Eskwela. Last year, Anonang NHS won as division’s best implementor of Gulayan sa Paaralan.

Albuen S. Arig of Aumbay ES was hailed as Most Outstanding Elementary Principal.  Multigrade teacher Jennebeth S. Dacay of Linosotan ES was recognized for her great effort in teaching pupils.

Recognition was also given to Krisnah Fe L. Pichon, a mobile teacher from Babak district, for her achievements in implementing ALS programs.  Secondary teacher Lorena M. Redulla of Mambago-B NHS and elementary teacher Alicia C. Nang of Peñaplata CES were known as remarkable teachers in the division.

Davao City

Evelyn E. Magno of F. Bangoy NHS always leaves an eminent mark in the school she serves.  In Catalunan Pequeno NHS, she realized the construction of additional classrooms and installation of 20 computer units.  In Crossing Bayabas NHS, she initiated the construction of a 3-story building with 15 classrooms and the installation of CCTV cameras.  In Bernardo D. Carpio NHS, she initiated the installation of CCTV cameras, paging system, and construction of a 3-storey, 18-classroom building from PAGCOR worth P46 million.  She established a superb rapport with internal and external stakeholders.

Secondary teacher Faye Genevieve Pasamonte wrote the Lesson Plan on DepEd Regional Office XI ICT Integration in Science 10 in 2007 and the DepEd–USAID–Division of Davao City Alternative Sources of Energy Module in 2008. She also took part in writing the DepEd textbooks for Grades 7 and 8 curriculum.

Other awardees came from Magallanes ES namely Brenda B. Jacobo as Most Outstanding Elementary Teacher, Kris N. Villocino as Most Outstanding Mobile teacher;  and Rotchill Diana G. Magbanua as Most Outstanding Multigrade Teacher.

Nena P. Laurente, school principal of Daniel M. Perez CES, has shown extraordinary leadership as her school was named regional champion this year in the Brigada Eskwela.

Davao Oriental

Pablo M. Banabal of Butay Primary School foresees problems and devises creative strategies to solve them even before they arise. This is why his colleagues always run to him. He is a consistent Service Awardee of the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE).

Ronelda L. Damuy of Baganga NHS never fails to respond in the most positive way possible. As Division Federated President of the Teachers’ Association, she ensures that the welfare of her co-teachers is prioritized.

Nonie P. Cadalzo never minds the risk of crossing rivers and climbing mountains just to make sure that quality education is delivered. For years, he has become an ALS Mobile teacher awardee because of his passion to nurture the learners, young or old.

Despite the difficulty in handling multiple grades all at the same time, Fredilyn Bautista never ceases to give extra effort to improve the performance of her pupils. She never minds the additional number of hours she needs to spend for class remediation nor does she count the resources she gives out for her pupils.

Zaldy T. Pido, principal of Cabagayan ES, taps each person’s shoulder to show support and encouragement. His zeal to achieve more is so contagious that it made his school a top performer in the National Achievement Test for two consecutive years.

Lucy Myrna L. Uy, principal of Cateel NVHS, always finds a way to implement DepEd programs excellently. It is no wonder why Cateel NVHS soared high as the 2015 Division Champion in Technolympics. It even spreads its wings wider making the school third place in Brigada Eskwela this year.

Mati City

Mark Anthony F. Sanchez is a devoted mobile teacher who has made exemplary contributions in uplifting the lives of his learners in Governor Generoso.  He continuously makes himself an effective instrument in molding his learners to become a productive part of the community and the society.

Victoria M. Basister is a well-loved member of her community in the remote area of the western part of Lupon. She was known to have been married to her profession. She devoted herself to teaching which makes her worthy of all the recognition.

Francis G. Busilaoco selfishly shared his expertise as SBTP, BEAM, Content-based and K to 12 Trainer. He advocates environmental protection through school and civic activities.

Jose L. Barba Jr. has won many awards in the national level which include his numerous achievements in Math competitions. He was also a K to 12 National Trainer in the field of Technology and Vocational Education.

Mary Ann A. Juezan, principal of Licop ES, always makes sure all the pupils will receive the kind and quality of education they deserve, most especially that it is the formative years of every individual.

Alicia R. Astronomo, principal of Mati NCHS, is a woman of faith, courage and leadership. She acknowledges that the Almighty comes first among the numerous tasks she has to tackle being her source of wisdom, guidance and protection. With God on her side, she stands firm as a courageous leader.

Tagum City

Joy Jade E. Relos, principal of Don Ricardo Briz CES, was one of the technical writers of the bid book of the City Literacy Coordinating Council awarded as the 2011 National Literacy Hall of Fame Award and a recipient of the 2015 Tagumpay Excellence Award in the field of Education during Araw ng Tagum.

Tagum NCHS Principal Roger A. Martinez’ remarkable leadership reaped awards such as 2015 Regional Champion Search for the Most Sustainable Eco-Friendly School Implementer, 2015 City Champion Search for the Best GPP Implementer-Container, 2015 Second Placer National Search for the Best Project W.A.T.C.H. MTV, 2014 Regional Champion Best Gulayan sa Paaralan Implementer-Container Garden, 2014 Excellence Award as Most Outstanding Educator.

Harley A. Aglosolos of La Filipina NHS is the 2015 Most Outstanding Achiever.  He was also named 2015 Outstanding School Paper Adviser in the National Schools Press Conference in Taguig City.  He was also awarded as 2014 Most Outstanding Teacher in English of Tagum City Division.

Evangeline B. Estilo is a multi-grade teacher at Babanganan ES. Her passion for teaching and concern for the welfare of her students made her won the accolade for the 2015 Achievement of Great Instructional Leadership Award.

Shiela Grace A. Barbaso of Magugpo Pilot CES is an active implementer of their school’s program and activities and made various research works anchored on education issues. She was awarded as 2013 Most Outstanding Teacher in DepEd Tagum City and a winning coach in Math and MTAP.

Magnolia I. Piquero of Nueva Fuerza ES was hailed as Most Outstanding Mobile Teacher for her resourcefulness in implementing ALS programs.

Digos City

Evangeline A. Hernan, principal of Ramon Magsaysay CES, is one of the regional topnotchers in the 2014 Principal’s Test. She has always been known to be an educator with a strong sense of commitment to excellence.

Cherrie Ann B. Bohol of Jolencio Alberca ES was a nominee to the Civil Service Commission’s Pag-Asa Award in 2014. Her colleagues find her to be unassuming but reliable role model as a teacher.

Rex A. Calamohoy is assigned in the farthest area of Digos City in Ranao ES.  He has been the primary mover behind the electrification project using solar panels of Sitio Ranao in Barangay Goma.

Alvin V. Deiparine has been a reliable mobile teacher who pioneered the opening of learning centers in the communities.  He is with ALS for seven years now.

Jem Boy B. Cabrella of Digos City NHS is a winning Mathematics coach.  A dedicated mentor, he has been consistently making it to the regional and national Math competitions as a coach.

Datu Roger A. Manapol initiated the opening of Balabag Annex in 2011; Soong Annex in 2012; Aplaya Annex in 2014; Napan Extension and Dawis Extension in 2015; and Indigenous People-Distant Learning Program in Binaton in June 2012.  While in DavSur, he initiated the opening of Sinawilan NHS in 2000; Dona Salud Cagas Technical-Vocational School in in 2006; Lumbang HS Annex in 2008; Lapulabao HS in 2010; Aplaya HS Annex in 2011; Malinao HS Annex in 2011; and Piape HS Annex in 2011.

Davao del Sur

Elwin R. Intervencion of Col. Antonio Lanzar ES is a division Instructional Material and Resource Developer.  He loves writing as he is a national trainer on campus journalism.

Dick B. Navaja of Basiawan NHS graduated cum laude for his Ph.D degree at the University of Immaculate Concepcion.  He is a division and regional trainer on Mass Training for Teachers on K to 12.

Aide L. Maniego is assigned in Malita South District.  She is the Best Mobile Teacher of 2013 in the region.  She is also the Outstanding Educator of Malita in 2014.

Jonjie R. Remulta of Don Amancio Bendigo Sr. ES is a regional multigrade trainer.  He is always ready to cross rivers and traverse mountainous areas to reach his learners.

Rhandy L. Peñaruya,  principal of San Agustin ES, is a regional speaker on Regional Mass Orientation for School Heads on the K to 12 Grade 3 Curriculum.  He is also a regional trainer on clinical supervision.

Raquel L. Cedeño, principal of Sta. Cruz NHS, is a regional trainer on clinical supervision.  She is a seasoned speaker for Division Capacity Building for School Heads and she headed the school that won Best School Implementer in the exceptional category.

(Note:  Some of the awardees were not described well because the reports or descriptions about their achievements did not reach the Public Affairs Unit.  You may ask their respective divisions if you are interested to know them more. – Editor)