It was such a day filled with fun and excitement for the teachers who received an accolade during the Awarding of the Most Outstanding Teachers of the Schools Division of Paraǹaque City with the theme, “Together for Teachers – Appreciation, Admiration, Approval, Attention,” at the Jaime Ferrer Hall of the SDO on Dec. 13, 2023.

Schools Division Superintendent Nerissa L. Losaria was assisted by Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Violeta M. Gonzales, SGOD Chief Thelma F. Montiel and OIC-CID Chief Leonora J. Nofuente in awarding the Certificate of Recognition to each of the 41 nominees – 18 were from the Elementary category; 13, Junior High School (JHS); five from Senior High School (SHS), five from Alternative Learning System (ALS). They were escorted onstage by their respective schoolheads or department heads and likewise received tokens or a bouquet of flowers from them.

But who could be the happiest than the distinct awardees?

From the number of nominees, only one per category was dubbed as the Most Outstanding Teacher of the Division, to wit: for SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – Ernie C. Singson, Master Teacher (MT) of Paraǹaque Science High School; JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL – Enrique S. Arlanza Jr., MT II of Paraǹaque National High School Main; ELEMENTARY – Ricky B. Baranda, MT I of San Agustin Elementary School; SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY) – Mary Grace C. Embodo, Teacher III of Sto. Niǹo Elementary School; SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION (SECONDARY) – Amy S. Alibangbang, Teacher III of PNHS Main; and  ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM – Genelyn B. Asis, MT I of Moonwalk National High School. Each received a Plaque of Recognition and a token.

The division search was tough as the pertinent documents of the nominees, already named outstanding teachers in their respective schools, underwent a meticulous scrutiny by the Sub-PRAISE Committee chaired by OIC-CID Chief Nofuente. The awarding, which was the second part of the Division activity organized in line with the celebration National Teachers Month held in October, highlighted December as the Education Month Celebration. (by Reena G. Orquina and Wilma T. Loria)