Quality of work performance and longevity of service were emphasized in the speeches of the newly-appointed Schools Division Superintendent Ms. Sheryll T. Gayola and Schools Governance and Operation Division Chief Dr. Elizalde Q. Cena.

Ms. Gayola, who started out as a values education teacher in 1996, said that quality and quantity signify our contributions and the years we have dutifully carried out our responsibilities in our work.

Dr. Cena, on the other hand, took the opportunity to acknowledge all the people behind his successes. Dr. Cena was called to be a teacher, and eventually, saw himself rising through the ranks of the school division.  He may not have reached his dream of becoming a soldier, but he still served the country on a different battlefield.

Ms. Gayola and Dr. Cena were among the 20 Service awardees who were cited along with the six Most Outstanding Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel during the 24th SDO-Marikina Founding Anniversary cum 2021 PRAISE Awards held at the audio-visual room of the division office on February 11, 2022.  

“The reason why the Filipinos are being loved all over the world is because most of us, if not all, are working not for ourselves, but for our family. Hindi lahat ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataong maglingkod sa gobyerno at ito ay isang biyaya para sa ating lahat. We serve na hindi naghihintay ng kapalit, because that’s our expression of love,” Ms. Gayola , who has been with the Department of Education for 25 years, stated in her speech.  

“I praise the Lord for giving me good health; mind and body, for I was able to serve 35 years in SDO-Marikina City and still counting. As long as I am needed, I’ll continue serving SDO-Marikina City. With my co-service awardees, we offer to God all that we have and all that we have accomplished. We give back to God all the blessings, our talents, and our potentials which He has endowed to us, and which we have used and will continue on utilizing for His glory. For all of our accomplishments, to God be the glory,” said Dr. Cena, the lone awardee in the category of 35 years in public service. 

No less than Dr. Elisa O. Cerveza, City Government Department Head II and Acting Assistant Schools Division Superintendent conferred the plaques and certificates of recognition to the awardees along with Ms. Remia L. Ricabar, Public Schools District Supervisor, and Officer-in-Charge, Chief Education Supervisor – CID. 

The best of the best of the past year were also cited as awards were given to Mr. Angelo E. Libuton (Master Teacher I - CES) for the Most Outstanding Teacher in the Elementary, Ms. Jossa Margaret A. Francisco (Teacher III – MSHS) for the Most Outstanding Teacher in the Secondary Level,  Ms. Adelwisa P. Mendoza (Head Teacher III – CIS-SL) for the Most Outstanding Head Teacher/Subject Coordinator– Secondary Level, Ms. Maribeth C. Rosario (Principal IV, PHS) for the Most Outstanding Principal, Mr. Joseph T. Santos (Education Program Supervisor, CID) for the Most Outstanding Supervisor, and Mr. Armando S. Libao, (Utility – PHS) for the Most Outstanding Employee – Level 1, Category A. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Santos shared the pains and joys of being an instructional leader. His initiative to establish an ICT Unit in the division has expanded and been utilized effectively among schools wherein ICT integration in the curriculum is introduced.  He talked about setting the vision based on purpose, discipline, good taste, and excellence.