The Schools Division Office of San Carlos City (SDO SCC) reaped a rich harvest in this year’s Gawad Lam-ang, the Search for Outstanding DepEd Personnel administered by the PRAISE Committee of the Department of Education Regional Office No. 1. Adjudged as among this year’s best in the region are Arlyn O. Mendoza of Magtaking ES and Alvin C. Poquiz of Gamata ES (School Head category); Analyn D. Tulagan of Turac NHS and Marlito V. Austria of Bolingit NHS (Master Teacher category); Roldan B. Eden, Division Education Program Specialist II and Resnard S. Resngit, Administrative Assistant II (Non-Teaching Personnel category).  Riza C. Aquino, Registrar I of the Speaker Eugenio Perez National Agricultural School and Leny S. Bacani, Administrative Officer II of Pangalangan ES also made it as finalist in the latter category. This feat by the SDO SCC surpasses its last year’s slew of five awards.

Reached for comment, Mrs. Mendoza said “I never expected to be a finalist, much less a winner.”  She viewed the recognition as “an achievement of the family and the community of Magtaking Elementary School.”  As its school head, “I am serving with a purpose – to touch and inspire,” she added.

For his part, Mr. Poquiz, emphasized that he won the award because of his constant communication with stakeholders.  He also shared that he is guided by the principle of making each day a meaningful journey to empower and uplift the lives of pupils.

The Gawad Lam-ang awarding ceremony will be held at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan on October 3, 2022 as part of the celebration of World Teachers’ Day. The winners will receive plaques and cash prizes while the finalists will receive certificates of recognition.