For Dr. Francis Cesar B. Bringas, Assistant Regional Director of DepEd CALABARZON, “Determination, Persistence and Endurance” are three exemplary traits of a hero. In DepEd Calamba City, heroes who have shown noble qualities and exceptional achievements were given recognition during the First Gawad Calambayani on July 29, 2016 held at the Chipeco Hall, Jose Rizal Memorial School.
DepEd Calamba envisioned a program geared towards strengthening its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) system to show gratitude and recognition to individuals and schools that imprinted excellence in their work. Likewise, institutions, organizations, and industry partners were given recognition for their invaluable support to the various programs of the Division.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Eugenia R. Gorgon, Schools Division Superintendent, readily acknowledged everyone who joined this milestone. “This first Gawad Calambayani is a strong affirmation of how much we value efforts and contributions of men and women of DepEd Calamba in their journey towards excellence,” expressed the SDS.
This festive event was graced by notable individuals including; Mr. Philip Bautista, representative of Hon. Justin Marc SB Chipeco, City Mayor, Hon. Roseller H. Rizal, Vice Mayor of Calamba City, and Dr. Francis Cesar B. Bringas, Director III of DepEd CALABARZON. The occasion was also well attended by different stakeholders from both public and private sector.
Vice Mayor OF Rizal commended DepEd Calamba and the people who gave their best in facilitating the government’s agenda for Filipino learners. He congratulated them for their efforts to campaign TEA Governance and their excellence and sincere public service.
In his speech, Dr. Bringas called the awardees heroes and compared them to grass that grows out of a crack in the pavement. Such grass has three characteristics: determination, persistence and endurance. “These are the traits that must be possessed by a hero, and because these characteristics are inherent to all grass, it means that we can all be heroes. We only need to look for opportunities to be able to show these potential on becoming a hero.” He believed that it is not in the surpassing of others that one becomes a hero but in serving others at whatever cost. A true measure of a hero is serving others, without stopping.
Representatives from different companies, LGUs, DepEd CALABARZON and Division of Calamba City employees, School heads and teachers were treated to a merry afternoon, from the grand salvo prepared by Calamba Bayside National High School, to the dance number of SPED Dance Troupe. They were also serenaded by Mr. Mark Israel Alvarez, a teacher from Majada-Out Elementary School. Guests and awardees were glammed up in their best barongs and Filipiniana attires to celebrate this event.
Ms. Yolanda Chua, Administrative Officer, explained the mechanics for the selection of awardees for Gawad Calambayani. The criteria for evaluation in the different categories were crafted by the selection committee for objectivity and fairness. Nominees who garnered a score of 70% and above were declared winners who received plaque and certificates with cash prizes. The first three candidates who meet the 70% passing mark were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Lone candidates who met the 70% passing score were given certificates of recognition in appreciation of their entries in the Gawad Calambayani 2016.
Honorees of the 1st Gawad Calambayani are the following:
1. Most Effective Adopt-A-School Program Implementer: Lingga Elementary School
2. Gulayan sa Paaralan-Plot Gardening Category – Post Elementary School
3. Gulayan sa Paaralan- Container Gardening Category: Sirang Lupa Elementary School
4. Best Feeding Program Implementer – Post Elementary School
5. Outstanding Teacher- Adora V. Leonano (Calamba ES)
6. Outstanding Campus Journalism: Calamba Bayside NHS (Secondary), Calamba Elementary School (Elementary)
7. Most Effective School Reading Program: Camp Vicente Lim NHS (Secondary), Calamba Elementary School (Elementary)
8. Outstanding Intervention/Remedial Program: San Ramon Elementary School
9. Cleanest Comfort Rooms – Sirang Lupa Elementary School
10. Most Functional School Library – Post Elementary School
11. 2015 Most Effective Brigada Eskwela Implementer
Mabato ES, E. Barretto Sr. NHS, Real ES, Camp Vicente Lim NHS
12. 2016 Most Effective Brigada Eskwela Implementer: Hornalan ES, Lawa NHS, San Ramon ES, Camp Vicente Lim NHS
13. Best School-Based Management Implementer: Calamba Elementary School
14. Best Action Research – Leila R. Fabella (San Ramon ES)
15. SHS Program Short Film – Ronan D. Vergara – Camp Vicente Lim NHS
16. K to 12 Jingle – Kristina Manalo, Marius Bravo, Jayson Malinao, Feby Jesuah Andoyo, Aruin Paunlagui, Aleli Nagpala
17. Timely and Accurate Reports to the Higher Offices- Ms. Araceli Cadag, Accountant and Mr. Ferdinand Tenioso, Budget Officer
18. Best Eco-Waste Implementer – Jose Rizal Memorial School
19. Brigada Eskwela 2016- Buntog ES and Bubuyan NHS (Small School), Makiling ES and Punta NHS (Big School)
20. Most Effective DRRM Program – E. Barretto Sr. NHS
Lone Entries
1. Most Effective Resource Management – Calamba Elementary School
2. Most Effective Assessment Program – Calamba Elementary School
3. Outstanding SPED Teacher – Susana M. Galle: Jose Rizal Memorial School
4. Outstanding Division Sports Program – Punta National High School
5. Most Efficient Resource Management – Calamba Elementary School
6. Outstanding ALS Mobile Teacher: Maria Rosario L. Banzuela (ALS Calamba East)
7. Outstanding Non-teaching Personnel: Ronald P. Trigueros (Division Office)
8. Most Effective ICT Program – Calamba NHS- main
9. Best TEA Governance Implementer – Calamba Elementary School
10. Outstanding School Head – Dr. Mariliza Espada (Camp Vicente Lim NHS)
Also given distinct recognition were stakeholders from LGUs, organizations and companies such as Investment Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) Group, DOLE, TESDA, Philippine National Police, PAG-IBIG Fund (Calamba), Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing, Inc., NEC TOKIN Electronics (Phils) Inc., and many other stakeholders who have been DepEd Calamba’s partners in making significant impact to society.
Cristeta M. Arcos
Head, LRMDS
Maria Elinor F. Hemedes
Librarian, LRMDS
Pamela D. Rodelas
PDO, LRMDS