TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Schools Division Office (SDO) achieved a historic victory at the 2024 Gawad Cordillera Awards.
The SDO emerged as the Best Performing Schools Division Office for securing the highest score in the following criteria: Budget Utilization Rate, Filling-up of Positions, Acquiescence, and Learning Focus.
The awarding ceremony, held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Baguio City, celebrated the unwavering dedication and excellence of the Department of Education personnel across the region.
Leading the pack, SDO Tabuk City was awarded the Best Performing Schools Division Office in the region, outshining other divisions and earning the coveted Outstanding SDO Award.
This remarkable achievement highlights the office’s consistent commitment to excellence under the dynamic leadership of Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Benedicta B. Gamatero and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Jan Nowel E. Peña.
Among the individual honorees, Henry M. Alunday, an Education Program Supervisor and Public Schools District Supervisor, was named Most Outstanding Employee, earning a PhP10,000 cash prize. His recognition underscores the dedication of Tabuk City’s educators to delivering high-quality education.
In the group category, members of Project REACH – Frances D. Gacuya, Romeo B. Agagon, Daise Bucao, and Menchie P. Gamongan – were recognized for their exceptional collaborative efforts. The team received a cash prize of PhP12,000, dedicating their award to the late Ana Marie B. Bucahan, a valued team member whose contributions continue to inspire their work.
Additionally, Rocel Lingbawan, a finalist in the Non-Teaching Personnel First Level category, received a cash prize of PhP1,500.
The Gawad Cordillera Awards, an annual event of the Cordillera office of the DepEd, aims to recognize outstanding personnel and initiatives in the region. This year’s celebration, graced by Regional Director Estela P. Leon-Carino, Assistant Regional Director Ronald B. Castillo, and Civil Service Commission-Cordillera Atty. Elenita P. Ugay, emphasized resilience, dedication, and integrity in public service.
Representatives from all eight schools division offices and private schools across the region attended the event, celebrating the collective achievements of DepEd-Cordillera personnel.
SDO Tabuk City’s success reflects the dedication of its educators and staff, cementing its reputation as a center of educational excellence and inspiration for future generations. By Jesse Maguiya
