BAGUIO CITY – Some 185 non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education Division of City Schools underwent a 3-day seminar-workshop for Baguio City Division Non-Teaching Personnel on May 27-29, 2015 at the Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Bauang, La Union, embracing this year’s theme “Halu-halong saya sa pinagsamang pamilya pinagbuklod ng puso’t diwa tagumpay ang biyaya.”
The annual activity for non-teaching personnel was spearheaded by the Baguio City Public Schools Non-Teaching Association (BCPSNTEA) officers through the office of the Baguio City Schools Division Superintendent Francis Cesar B. Bringas and OIC-SDS, Atty. Agustin P. Laban III and the City Government of Baguio led by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan which provided the funds for the activity that was sourced from the city’s Special Education Fund (SEF).
The participants in the activity were personnel from the administrative, accounting/budget and finance, medical/health, dental, library, guidance and counselling, supply, security and maintenance units in the Division office, elementary, and secondary schools in the city.
Part of the seminar-workshop was the awaited presentations of each district/school that served as one of the major highlights of the 3-day event that was held prior to the opening of classes last June 1.
Vibrant Hawaiian-inspired outfits filled the venue as each members of the participating groups showcased their astounding talents in dancing during the fellowship night where “Hawaiian dance” was the contest piece. The spirit of oneness as a family evolved as everyone took part in wowing the audience and judges of the contest that capped the 3-day event.
The evocative group of the Pines City NHS Non-Teaching Personnel bagged the nod of the judges for the championship & Baguio City NHS Non-Teaching personnel secured the second place. All groups received cash prizes as SDS Bringas commended all the Non-Teaching Personnel for their superb performances. NTP retirees who were teary-eyed were also commended by the SDS as he honored the “unnoticed” sacrifices rendered especially by the utility workers who served their schools for almost half of their lives.
The second and third days were filled with updates from fellow non-teaching personnel, the group of dentists who contributed information on oral hygiene and dental services followed by the enlightening presentation of the K+12 Program by the Schools Division Superintendent.
Also, speakers pivoted on the total well-being of the employees through understanding stress and its management.
The heart of accepting differences in the workplace and working as a team towards harmonious relationships and healthy working environment were emphasized in the group activities.
The 3-day seminar is a part of the Agency’s continuing professional development program not only for teachers but also giving value and support to the lower ranks specifically the Non-Teaching Personnel of Baguio City Division in providing opportunities to speak their unheard voices as to develop their suppressed confidence, identify the weaknesses for further measures as to intensify their strengths to be more productive at work and to keep aflame the bond of camaraderie among co-peers and superiors as well.
By ROWENA B. DUMAGUIN
